COMMUTERS are being warned south Essex could suffer from traffic mayhem until at least Friday after a sewer burst.

The sewer ruptured below the A13 on Monday night, and traffic has been left gridlocked around Benfleet during peak hours into yesterday morning.

Temporary traffic lights were initially put in place while emergency works are carried out to fix the issue.

Work has been ongoing since it burst on Monday night, and early yesterday there were queues of traffic on the A13 from Rayleigh Road towards High Road - and queues Southend-bound past Sadlers Farm, with London-bound queues on High Road and congestion on surrounding roads.

Some commuters reported being delayed by hours on social media.

Essex Traffic Control Centre stated this afternoon at 12.30pm that one lane was running in each direction at junction with the High Road after the emergency water work, with temporary traffic lights now removed.

However, restrictions were set to be in place again overnight into today to complete the works.

The work is being carried out by Essex and Suffolk Water, and is expected to last until Friday, with commuters being advised to allow extra time to travel in the area.

An Essex and Suffolk Water spokesman said crews were at the site by 8pm on Monday and repairs were completed in the early hours of this morning.

He added: "We are now carrying out work to reinstate the road surface.

"Due to the size and location of the burst lane closures will be in place both east and west bound to ensure safety while this work is being carried out.

"It is expected that these lane closures will be in place until Friday 14th June.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to thank everyone for their patience while we complete these repairs."