A project to repair the A12's road surface has now been completed, with drivers welcomed back onto the stretch of road.
The £75 million A12 Margaretting Bypass scheme was finished and the new road opened to drivers on August 8.
Construction began in February 2023 to replace the old concrete road that had reached the end of its serviceable life.
The freshly laid asphalt surface is expected to improve the daily commute for the approximately 35,000 motorists who use this route between junction 13 at Ingatestone and junction 15 at Three Mile Hill.
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Its extended lifespan of around 40 to 50 years means quicker and easier repairs in the future, National Highways said.
Carbon emissions were also reduced due to construction methods used during the project, it added.
National Highways project manager Nisar Ahmad said: "We are thrilled to announce the completion of the A12 Margaretting scheme, a vital project that not only enhances the infrastructure between junctions 13 and 15 but also sets a benchmark for sustainable construction practices.
"There has been disruption in the process of carrying out this essential work and we thank people for their patience."
To make the new road, almost 58,000 tonnes of asphalt were laid down.
As well as this, several carbon reduction strategies were used by the project team that National Highways said reduced the scheme's carbon dioxide footprint by 58 per cent.
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