A NOTORIOUSLY congested roundabout on the A120 will undergo a £650,000 revamp next month.

Work will begin on the Galleys Corner roundabout, in Braintree, on February 2 and is expected to be finished by March 13.

The scheme has been designed to reduce queues heading from north Essex towards Stansted, in particular during rush hour. The westbound carriageway on the roundabout will be widened by up to 1.7m for two lanes of traffic.

Road markings and signs on the A120 and B1108 will also be improved.

The Highways Agency, which will carry out the work, said kerbs on the westbound approach to the roundabout had been damaged by HGVs. Accident records show collisions there are mostly nose-totail bumps at the give-way lines or drivers failing to stay within the lines.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “Improved lane markings and signs will encourage lane discipline and reduce the risk of accidents.

“Widening the roundabout will improve traffic flows and ensure there is sufficient width for two vehicles to travel around the roundabout at the same time.

“These measures will reduce congestion at the roundabout during peak periods and improve journey times for drivers.”

The £650,000 funding is coming from the Government’s Pinch Point scheme.