Drivers faced long delays in and around Ipswich while the A14 was closed in both directions.
Emergency services were called to an incident between the Nacton and Copdock turn-off and the A14 was shut.
A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said drivers were being asked to find alternative routes.
Traffic forming on the A14 outside Ipswich (Image: A14 Traffic Cameras)
This lead to a number of roads across the town being heavily congested.
According to the AA Traffic Map, the worst affected roads were Wherstead Road, Vernon Street, London Road and Felixstowe Road.
What Happened?
Suffolk Police confirmed that both carriageways of the road, between Nacton and Copdock, were closed. The police incident was on the A14, affecting both directions between junction 56 and junction 57 Orwell Bridge. They asked motorists to find alternative routes while they dealt with the incident.
Traffic Updates
National Highways shared an update on social media saying that traffic had stopped 'due to an ongoing incident on the bridge.' Motorists have been advised to find alternative routes.
Traffic was being temporarily held and there was stationary traffic, which was causing delays of around 50 minutes, according to National Highways.
A14 Reopens
Suffolk Police has released an update: The A14 has reopened both ways between Copdock and Nacton following an incident earlier, which has been resolved safely.
Incident Resolved
Traffic is now flowing freely on the A14 near Ipswich after an earlier incident. One of two lanes was closed on the A14 eastbound between Junction 54 at Sproughton and Junction 55 at Copdock.
This was due to a broken down vehicle and there was four miles of congestion, with delays of up to 30 minutes.
National Highways have reported that recovery is complete and all lanes are open again.
A14 Delays Due to Diesel Spillage
Motorists are facing delays of up to an hour after a large diesel spillage on the A14 eastbound between junction 52 at Claydon and junction 53 at Ipswich. Highways East said traffic had been stopped at about 05:42 BST. Suffolk Police was at the scene of the spillage and National Highways contractors were en route to assess the situation. One lane of the carriageway has closed and there were delays of 60 minutes and three miles of congestion.
