Motorists in Essex are facing significant delays after a serious collision forced the closure of the A12 eastbound carriageway between Junction 15 (Webbs Farm Interchange) and Junction 17 (Howe Green Interchange).
Essex Police have closed the road to allow emergency services to respond and to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash, which occurred earlier today. The incident has resulted in heavy congestion for drivers travelling towards Basildon, Southend (via the A130), and Great Baddow (via the A1114).
To manage the disruption, National Highways has introduced a detailed diversion route. Drivers are advised to exit the A12 at Junction 15 and take the second exit at the roundabout onto the A414 (Three Mile Hill). They should continue to the Widford Roundabouts, taking the second exit at the first roundabout and the first exit at the second roundabout onto the A1016. The route continues through Chelmsford to the A131 roundabout near Belstead Hall, where drivers should take the third exit onto the A131. At General Lanes Roundabout (Junction 19), motorists can access Junctions 16, 17, or 18 via signed routes on the westbound A12. To re-join the eastbound A12, take the fourth exit at the first roundabout off the A131.
Authorities are urging drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. National Highways has warned that peak travel periods could see journey times increase significantly. For ongoing updates, motorists can visit www.trafficengland.com, contact the National Highways 24/7 Contact Centre at 0300 123 5000, or follow live updates on @HighwaysEast on X (formerly Twitter).
At this time, the cause of the collision and the extent of any injuries have not been confirmed. Essex Police will provide further information once their on-site investigation is complete.
Originally published by UKNIP.
