Motorists travelling on the A12 in Essex are facing significant delays after a serious road traffic collision forced the closure of the eastbound carriageway between Junction 15 (Webbs Farm Interchange) and Junction 17 (Howe Green Interchange).
The closure was implemented to allow for emergency services and Essex Police to carry out investigation work. The incident, which occurred earlier today, has caused major disruption for commuters heading towards Basildon, Southend (A130) and Great Baddow (A1114).
Diversion in Place
National Highways has set out a diversion route to help ease traffic:
- Exit the A12 at Junction 15.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the A414 (Three Mile Hill).
- Continue to the Widford Roundabouts.
- At the first roundabout take the second exit, and at the second, the first exit onto the A1016.
- Follow the A1016 through Chelmsford, continuing to the A131 roundabout near Belstead Hall.
- Take the third exit onto the A131.
- At the General Lanes Roundabout at Junction 19, motorists can access J16, J17, or J18 by following signed routes via the westbound A12.
- To re-join the eastbound A12, take the fourth exit at the first roundabout off the A131.
Expect Delays and Plan Ahead
Drivers are advised to allow extra journey time and consider alternative routes where possible. National Highways warns that journey times may be significantly longer during the peak travel period.
Further updates can be found via:
- www.trafficengland.com
- National Highways 24/7 Contact Centre: 0300 123 5000
- Live updates on @HighwaysEast on X (formerly Twitter)
The cause of the collision and whether there are any injuries has not yet been confirmed. Essex Police are expected to release further details following the completion of their on-site investigation.
