A SECTION of the A120 remains closed to traffic after a lorry struck a barrier and spilled hydraulic fluid across the road.

A seven-mile stretch of the westbound carriageway, between Horsley Cross and Little Bentley, is closed while workers with Highways England clear the spillage.

The closure is expected to stretch into the afternoon.

Traffic is being diverted along an an alternative 18 mile route, sending drivers off the A120 at the Horsley Cross junction and along the B1035 through Tendring to the junction with the B1033 at Weeley.

Cars can then join the A133 heading towards Colchester, before rejoining the A120 at the Ardleigh Crown Interchange, north of Colchester.

The accident happened at around 9.45am.

Update 12.12pm:

The stretch of the westbound carriageway between Horsley Cross and Little Bentley has now re-opened to traffic.

Workers with Highways England have cleared the spillage and traffic is moving.