A 200-litre oil spill will mean part of the A14 at Felixstowe will remain shut for several more hours, according to police.
The spillage from a lorry happened at the Dock Spur roundabout, near Felixstowe, at about 1.35pm on Thursday.
The road is currently closed westbound between J60 at Dockspur Roundabout and J59 for the Howlett Way Roundabout.
Another lane is also closed between J61 and J60.
A14-traffic-mayhem-caused-by-oil-spill
A spokesman for Suffolk police said that the closure could last another three or four hours at least.
One motorist stuck in the surrounding gridlock said: "It was mayhem trying to get through Walton, especially with HGVs on top of the back to school traffic.
"Thankfully things eased once we reached Trimley, but I'm sure it made for a stressful return to the school run for a lot of parents."
Highways England updated its guidance on Thursday night and said that due to the severity of the spill, it has been confirmed that resurfacing works will be required.
Police have issued the following diversion route, but many motorists are reporting that the town is in complete gridlock.
- Exit the A14 at the J60 Dockspur Roundabout and take the 2nd exit onto the A154 Candlet Road.
- Continue until the roundabout with Grove Road and then take the 2nd exit.
- Continue on the A154 until the signalised junction with High Road West.
- At the junction, turn right and continue along High Road West, High Street and High Road.
- After Trimley, take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and re-join the A14 westbound at J59.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here