BEAMS supporting a bridge across the A12 may need to be replaced after a lorry carrying a digger crashed into it.

The smash happened on the northbound carriageway of the road between the Ardleigh Interchange and the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester back in March.

The digger on the back of the lorry crashed into the bottom of the bridge causing the A12 to be closed for hours.

Luckily no-one was badly hurt in the crash.

Structural engineers were sent to the scene and later decided a lowered speed limit and one way traffic restrictions were required.

Traffic lights were subsequently put in place causing delays for motorists.

Highways England has now confirmed it is likely the bridge beams will have to be replaced.

However, more work is needed to assess the damage more than five months on from the crash.

It is understood restrictions on the bridge in Severalls Lane will be in place until repair work is completed.

Highways England was not able to provide the Gazette with any timescale for how long this may be.

A spokesman said: “We have carried out a number of inspections to identify the extent of the damage after the Severalls Lane bridge on the A12 was struck by an HGV earlier this year.

“Early assessments show that the bridge beams will need to be replaced and we assessing the full extent of the damage.

“One lane has been closed in each direction for safety and a contraflow will remain in place until all the assessments and repairs have been completed.

“We apologise to road users for any delays caused to their journeys while we complete these safety assessments.”

Nearby residents reported even hearing the crash as the lorry collided with the bridge.

The bridge was left dented by the crash, however, no restrictions were initially put on traffic using it.

To find out more visit highwaysengland.co.uk.