An overturned lorry forced part of the A12 to shut overnight.
The lorry was involved in an accident on the northbound carriageway between junction 28 and 29 at around 2am.
Drivers were forced to head through central Colchester while Highways England worked with Essex Police to deal with the incident.
The road has now reopened but drivers are warned to expect delays.
A statement released by Essex Highways on Twitter added: "Traffic is being diverted off at the exit slip and back on at the entry slip at junction 29 while we repair the safety barrier damaged during the collision."
Essex Police have confirmed no one was injured and no arrests have been after the incident.
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