ONE lane is now open on the A120 between the A1035 at Horsley Cross and the A133 after an accident overnight – one lane remains closed.  

The driver, who was in her 30s, is believed to have left the road in a Ford Galaxy and crashed into a lorry transporter parked in a layby near the Hare Green junction.

She was very sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Nobody else was injured.

Inspector Rob Brettell said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family of the woman who died this morning.

“We may be about to close the road in both directions and this will affect people’s journeys, so we are sharing details of the diversion.

“Our officers are working hard at the scene and we will get this route open as quickly as we can.

“We would like to speak to anyone who may have dash cam footage or saw a blue Ford Galaxy in the area of Elmstead Market in the time leading to the collision.  

“We’d also like to see any dash cam from anyone using the A120 before the collision, and who may have footage of the vehicles parked in the laybys.”

The official diversion asks motorists to turn left at Horsley Cross and travel through the backroads to get to Colchester.

Here are the areas to avoid: 

  • Entry to the A120 westbound from the A133 at Hare Green is closed.
  • A133 traffic queuing northbound from Weeley Heath to the Frating Green exit as a result of drivers diverting from the A120 closure.
  • B1033 Colchester Road traffic queuing westbound from Tendring Road to A133.
  • Also delays on B1035  and A137 through Manningtree.
  • A133 St Andrew’s Avenue and Colchester Road queueing westbound from just after Elmstead Market towards Cowdray Avenue (Colchester).

For more information visit highwaysengland.co.uk.

Anyone who has dash cam or information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01245 240590 or email CollisionAppeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.