Four months of roadworks are set to hit motorists using the A12 between Ipswich and the M25.

Almost 10miles (16km) of the road will be the subject of improvement works starting before the end of the year.

The multi-million pound project, funded by the government, will see resurfacing of the carriageway taking place at two locations.

The majority of work will be carried out overnight, between 10pm and 6am.

It is hoped the new surface will mean a smoother, safer and quieter journey for those using the road, according to the Highways Agency.

There will also be a renewal of road signs, repairs to drainage carried out and an upgrading of safety barriers.

Highways Agency project manager, Anna Graham said: “This is a multi-million pound scheme which is taking place to prolong the life of the carriageway.

“The work has been designed to improve the surface of the road and safety for road users, while minimising the need for future maintenance works in these locations.

“To minimise the disruption to residents and the travelling public, the main work will be carried out at night in the New Year using contraflow. However, there will be no work over the Christmas period.

“We have worked closely with Suffolk County Council and Essex County Council to minimise any inconvenience that the works may cause.

“We are timing the works to avoid disrupting late night shopping and we are proposing to use a contraflow so the road remains open.

“During the day the road will be open with two lanes operating in both directions.

“We ask that drivers should be aware of the temporary road surface, take care travelling through the roadworks and adhere to the 40mph speed limit.”

For the work taking place between junctions 31 and 33 drivers will be diverted to exit at junction 31 (Four Sisters Interchange) and then onto the B1070, A137 and A14 to re-join the A12 at junction 33 (Copdock) and vice versa.

Lorries will be advised to follow A133, A137 and A14.

Between junctions 11 and 12 a diversion will be in place along the A1023 from junction 11 at Brook Street Interchange through Brentwood and along the B1002 to junction 13 (Ingatestone) and vice versa.