Drivers were left stuck for around two hours on a major Southend dual carriageway after a crash involving a motorcycle on Saturday night.
Part of Royal Artillery Way was closed on Saturday evening following the collision, which saw a motorcyclist come off their bike. Essex Police confirmed that no other vehicles were involved.
The crash blocked the carriageway in one direction between the Bournes Green Roundabout at Thorpe Bay and the Garons Park area.
Police closed the road while emergency services dealt with the incident, leaving a queue of vehicles trapped behind the collision scene.
Some motorists reported being stuck for around two hours before officers were eventually able to turn vehicles around and direct them away from the closure.
The incident has since prompted discussion among local residents about both the condition of Royal Artillery Way and driving standards on the busy route.
The dual carriageway has a 50mph speed limit, with speed cameras operating along the road.
In the last five years, there have been five serious or fatal collisions on Royal Artillery Way, highlighting the history of significant incidents along the route.
Rachael Huett raised concerns about the condition of the carriageway, saying: “There is a massive dip in the road from Garon Park to the Bournes Green roundabout which is a soon to be death trap. I won’t ride down there for that reason.”
Cara Terry also criticised the road surface, saying: “The new resurfacing on the opposite side – Garon Park to Thorpe Bay – is awful. It’s almost like a rumble strip in places.”
Other residents focused on the way motorists use the road.
Hudson Tracy said: “The general standard of driving these days is shocking. I hope the motorcyclist is okay.”
Marc Evans-Leigh added: “People drive too fast on that road and the bad new surface they laid down has made it un-even with dips.”
There is currently no indication that excessive speed, poor driving or the condition of the road contributed to the collision.
Royal Artillery Way is one of the main routes through the eastern side of Southend, connecting the Bournes Green and Shoebury areas with roads towards the city centre and A127.
Photos by Aaron Chesham.