A SOLDIER from Colchester was killed in a crash on the A120.

The fatal crash happened on the Coggeshall bypass, near the B1024, on Saturday at 5.40am.

Police and the armed forces have so far declined to release any details, other than the soldier who died was in his twenties and from Colchester.

The Gazette understands the man served in the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery.

Essex Police said the man died when his black Vauxhall Astra collided with a lorry.

The A120 was closed in both directions with traffic queueing between the A131 south and the A12 west of Colchester throughout the morning.

The road re-opened at about lunchtime.

Campaigners yesterday said the latest fatality highlights the need for an upgraded A120, which is one of the most dangerous roads in the country.

A spokesman for Essex County Council confirmed that further consultations into upgrading the route were about to begin shortly.

Rosie Pearson, secretary of Cause (Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex), said a new road was needed now, regardless of whatever happened to plans for a new town in the Marks Tey area.

She said: “We know it to be a dangerous road. We know it’s over capacity.

"It’s a terrible road.”

Plans for housing in the area would lead to an estimated 24,000 more cars using the A120 in West Tey.

She said: “We think the MPs should lobby the Government to get a new road. Saturday’s fatality is just another reminder.

“All the studies have shown a new road will bring economic development to the area.”

Allan Walker, chairman of Marks Tey Parish Council, said the parish council is working with Highways England to improve the A120.

Essex County Council is spending £5 million on a feasibility study for the A120 and A12, which will be matched by £4 million from the Government.

Anyone who can help the police with their investigation can call PC Glenn Simons at Stanway Road Policing Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@ essex.pnn.police.uk