COLCHESTER became gridlocked as the A12 buckled under pressure from ongoing improvement works which could continue until 2024.

Thousands of motorists struggled to get out of first gear as the London-bound carriageway ground to a halt between Ardleigh’s Crown Interchange and Marks Tey.

It is understood the disruption was caused by the roadworks taking place at junction 25 at Marks Tey where a 50mph speed limit is in place.

The National Highways project is reconstructing the stretch of road between this junction and Stanway.

Gazette: Gridlock - commuters in Severalls LaneGridlock - commuters in Severalls Lane (Image: Newsquest)

Work started on the complete removal of the concrete surface and some of the foundations on August 30, and is anticipated to finish by late 2023 or early 2024.

Vehicles backlogged up the major route and the effects were felt across Colchester as commuters battled to get out of the city centre.

Those travelling from Harwich and Clacton on the A120 and A133 respectively also faced major disruption on their journeys as a gridlock took hold.

Gazette reader Kieran Brown said the issue was “mad” by the University of Essex and Wivenhoe.

Gazette: Queues - motorists were at a standstill on the A12Queues - motorists were at a standstill on the A12 (Image: Newsquest)

Traffic built up in Highwoods and consistently slow movement was seen between Colchester Road and Colne Causeway.

Delays also hit on the eastbound Cowdray Avenue, Severalls Lane, Ipswich Road and from Westway to St Andrew's Avenue.

Motorists attempting to join the A12 at the JobServe Community Stadium were left static as vehicles tailed back up the slip road and down Axial Way and Via Urbis Romanae.

Even those trying to dodge the disruption through Lexden and Stanway were faced with lengthy waiting spells.

Gazette: Lengthy wait - vehicles on the A12Lengthy wait - vehicles on the A12 (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for Essex County Council’s travel department reaffirmed claims the roadworks were partly to blame by stating they were “adding to delays in Colchester city centre”.

Gazette reader Zara Gayford said the traffic was an “absolute joke”, revealing it took her 45 minutes to get from the Crown Interchange to The Gilberd School.

A National Highways spokesman said the work is “essential for the safety of road users” and thanked motorists for their patience.

He added: “While this work is necessary, we are aware of the inconvenience this causes to those regularly using the road.

“All closures are planned, publicised and kept to an absolute minimum.”