Updated: A127 reopens after lorry crash

The A13 became gridlocked with drivers seeking alternative routes after a lorry jack-knifed on the A127 and the accident has led to renewed calls to improve the area’s major routes.

Council chiefs are looking to secure multi-million pound funding from the Government to improve the road infrastructure.

More than £200million is needed over five years for various schemes, including new junctions at Kent Elms and the Bell, but the Government has set aside just £80million for the entire Eastern Region.

Ray Howard, Castle Point councillor and a former county highways chairman, said: “Once again this latest accident proved how serious the lack of infrastructure is in the south of the county.

“Everyone was using the A13 as an alternative and, as a result, Canvey became gridlocked.”

He welcomed planned £77million improvements to the Sadlers Farm roundabout, but said more money was needed to improve congestion hotspots. He said: “I have campaigned for years to put three lanes on the A127.

“It is the main road into Southend, our most populated area. Putting in three lanes from the M25 to South-end should be a priority.”

He has contacted Norman Hume, Essex county councillor responsible for highways, about yesterday’s crash and said he would continue to discuss the situation with him.

Southend Council’s councillor responsible member for transport, Anna Waite, said local politicians should lobby for more cash.

She said: “Part of the problem is we have only got two major roads, neither of which are suitable for the amount of traffic they are carrying.”

Basildon Council leader Malcolm Buckley said councils were using a “strategic approach” in lobbying the East of England Regional Assembly, which will decide in February which of 35 regional schemes receive funding.

He said: “We press for improvements through the Thames Gateway. There has to be a strategic approach to this which is a view shared by Southend Council and is the right way to do it.”