Narrow underpass in Manningtree causing traffic "chaos"

A narrow road under a railway has been causing years of traffic “chaos” in Manningtree, according to the local MP and residents. “Frustrated” drivers are now demanding action over the underpass on the A137, such as Alison Ludlow, who called the situation “extremely dangerous”.

The underpass lies on the border between Essex and Suffolk and crosses under the bridge next to Manningtree railway station. Ms Ludlow said the road was particularly dangerous on dark, wet or misty nights.

There have been several crashes at the underpass where drivers have missed the low height restrictions and crashed into the railway bridge, causing delays to both trains and traffic.

It’s “routinely gridlocked by increasing traffic,” adds MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, who has written to the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, over the issue. Local councillors have also been calling for changes for years, but as yet, no plans are in place to update the road.

The Department for Transport was unable to comment.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.