NATIONAL Highways has said an oil spill is to blame for closing the A12 and bringing traffic to a standstill after workers had to clear 600 metres of carriageway.

The A12 southbound between junction 25 and junction 26 was shut at about 9.30am on Friday, meaning Colchester was hit with huge disruption as hundreds of drivers were diverted through Turner Road and London Road.

Congestion was expected to return to normal levels by noon, but the with the carriageway remaining shut, queues continued into the afternoon as.

Queues - traffic on the A12 southbound has been badly affectedQueues - traffic on the A12 southbound has been badly affected (Image: Newsquest)

National Highways South East confirmed contractors were on the scene by 1pm to treat the spillage, which came from a tractor.

As of 3pm on Friday, there was “no indication” as to when their work would be finished.

A National Highways spokesman said: “National Highways contractors have used specialist materials to clean approximately 600 metres of carriageway.

“They are now awaiting a sweeper for the final clean up.

“There is no indication of when this will be completed.”

National Highways also shared details of a diversion route, which advised drivers to exit the A12 at junction 26 at Eight Ash Green and follow the A1124 towards Stanway

Drivers were told to then take the fourth exit at the roundabout with the London Road and follow the route through Stanway and Copford to the Prince of Wales, before taking the second exit onto London Road and re-joining the A12 southbound.

The delays were even commented on by a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court, who was delayed sentencing Colchester defendant Ross McCarthy because of the congestion.

His Honour Recorder Richard Christie thought the road had been shut for road works.

Addressing the prosecution and defence as he entered court, he said: “My apologies to you both and anyone else who has been kept waiting.

Problem - traffic has been affected since 9.30am on FridayProblem - traffic has been affected since 9.30am on Friday (Image: Newsquest)

Unfortunately, I have to travel down the A12, and in their wisdom they decided to close the road because they’re doing roadworks.

“Deciding to close the road on a Friday morning during rush hour is not the most sensible way of doing it, but there we are.”

The roadworks are not due to begin until 8pm on Friday when the A12 will shut until 6am on Monday as major resurfacing works continue.