Bridge repairs causing serious traffic congestion have been rescheduled again, as the council admits mistakes have been made. 

Commuters and residents are furious at disruption caused by roadworks in Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, which began at the beginning of the year. 

The works were originally scheduled to be finished in six weeks, but the deadline was extended to the summer due to claims of delayed negotiations with utility companies. 

But Essex County Council says the work will now continue until mid-January next year.

And Kim Shenton, of the Highways team, has admitted the delay has been caused by poor planning.

In a letter to resident Steven Neville, of Rous Road, she wrote: “Essex Highways believe the project has been reasonably managed but with hindsight the published programme was over optimistic.

“Essex Highways fully accept that the team have not communicated with stakeholders well on this and other projects and apologise for not informing Members and residents of the delays to this programme of works in a more proactive manner.”

“The issue of poor communications has been raised with senior managers in Essex Highways and Ringway Jacobs who are taking this very seriously.”