Motorists were stranded in a seven-mile tailback on the A12 following a multi-vehicle pile-up.
The crash happened at about 4.30pm yesterday, just before the Hatfield Peverel exit on the northbound carriageway.
Seven vehicles, including a truck, were involved in the collision, which initially closed the Colchester-bound carriageway.
Two ambulances were sent to the accident but no-one needed hospital treatment.
Traffic had stretched back at least seven miles before vehicles were allowed to use the Hatfield Peverel slip road to pass the crash.
Frustrated drivers could be seen standing beside their cars with their engines off.
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