Thousands of Ipswich motorists faced travel chaos this evening following an accident on the A12 in Essex.

Thousands of Ipswich motorists faced travel chaos this evening following an accident on the A12 in Essex.

Drivers are currently experiencing 11-mile tailbacks after the London-bound carriageway was closed.

The road was closed at Hatfield Peverel after a crane on a lorry struck a bridge at 12.15pm causing structural damage.

The carriage was re-opened at 7.20pm but drivers are still warned of extensive delays as traffic clears.

Engineers are carrying out an examination of the bridge but motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.