A LORRY driver was cut free after crashing through the central reservation and hitting a bridge on the A120.

The seven-and-a-half tonne lorry struck the reservation before sliding along it into a bridge between the A133 and the Ardleigh Interchange shortly before 11am.  

The A120 was closed in both directions for more than two hours.

The East of England Ambulance sent four ambulance crews, an ambulance officer and two rapid response vehicles to the scene. 

One man, the passenger in the lorry cab, was able to free himself from the wreck and has been taken to Colchester General Hospital with neck pain. 

He is in a stable condition. 

The lorry driver, aged in his forties, had to be cut free by firefighters.

He has suffered pelvic injuries which are not life-threatening and has also been taken to Colchester General Hospital. 

He was treated at the scene by East Anglian Air Ambulance medics.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said one carriageway should he opened "soon".

She added: "Motorists are thanked for their patience and advised to seek alternative routes if possible."

Lane two is still closed in both directions between Ardleigh Crown Interchange (A12 J29) and Frating roundabout because of damage to the central reservation.

Lane one has reopened on both carriageways.

Traffic remains slow in both directions on the A120, on the A12 northbound towards J29 and on Colchester Road (A133) westbound towards Frating Green.