Delay to road scheme near 2012 mountain bike venue

A council has apologised for delays to a £63m Essex road scheme close to the Olympic mountain biking venue.

Works at the Sadlers Farm junction, linking the A130 and A13 main route from London, were due to end in May.

The junction, near Basildon, is about 4 miles (6km) from the Hadleigh Farm mountain bike course.

Essex County Council said it was working with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to avoid disruption around the London 2012 games.

'Very disappointed'

The ODA said it had been assured the work, originally intended to be finished by the spring, would be completed before the start of the London games next month.

"We are in discussions with the local authority who have assured us that they will be finished before competition begins at the Hadleigh Farm venue," said an ODA spokesman.

Derrick Louis, highways and transportation cabinet member at the council, said: "I am very disappointed that work has not been completed, and would like to sincerely apologise to residents for this further delay.

"I assure you I that am doing everything in my power to get this scheme completed as soon as possible."

The council previously blamed recent heavy rain for delays to the project, which includes a new link road and roundabout signalling.

Some parts of the scheme have been completed but roadworks will continue beyond the revised completion date of Wednesday, the council said.