Delays after build up of ice on A12 near Shenfield causes closure

The A12 has remained closed throughout this morning (credit: Google Maps)

The A12 remains closed near Shenfield due to a build up of ice on the carriageway.

The closure was put in place this morning (Tuesday, 17 January) after freezing temperatures led to gushing water from a blocked pipe turning to ice on the carriageway, near Junction 12 for Shenfield.

Junctions 12 to 14 for Margaretting has remained closed throughout the morning due to the dangerous conditions.

Commuters face delays northbound through Mountnessing, Ingatestone and Margaretting.

The A12 Brentwood bypass northbound approaching the closure is also far slower than normal as a result.

National Highways crews are on site working to clear the blocked pipe.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Initially a bund wall will be built around the blocked pipe with sandbags to prevent further water from flowing onto the carriageway.

“Following this, a high-pressure jet hose will be used to release the blockage.

“Once the blockage has been removed and the carriageway been treated, the road will reopen.”

A12 CLOSED northbound between J12 (Shenfield) and J14 (Margaretting) – because of ice on the carriageway following a burst water main yesterday. Slow traffic on the diverstion route through Ingatestone. pic.twitter.com/J7UIKuL2C8

— Essex Travel News (@Essex_Travel) January 17, 2023

Drivers wishing to use the A12 are asked to use the following diversion route:

Exit the A12 at J12 (Marylands Interchange) and take the B1002 to Mountnessing.

Continue on the B1002 through Mountessing, Heybridge, Ingatestone and Margeretting to re-join the A12 northbound at Junction 15 (Webbs Farm).

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