CONCERNS diverted lorries could get stuck under a railway crossing have been highlighted to highways bosses by an MP.

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin has raised concerns to Highways England about HGV drivers using a temporary diversion route via Manningtree rail crossing.

He told highways bosses the lorry drivers should be made aware of the height restriction for the rail crossing bridge so they don’t hit the bridge or cause disruptions.

The vehicle height limit for driving under the crossing is 9ft 6ins, so HGVs above this height must drive over the crossing.

With Highways England closing eight miles of the A12 between the Ardleigh Interchange and the junction at Capel St Mary in two phases, some vehicles have been using the diversion route through Manningtree via the crossing.

But Sir Bernard told Highways England the diversion needs to take into consideration the “considerable difficulties” it could cause at Manningtree Railway Station.

He said: “How can Highways England make sure HGVs are aware of the height and other restrictions at Manningtree rail crossing?

“I hope I am flagging a concern which has already been addressed.

“One bridge strike on the Colchester-Ipswich mainline will be one too many.”

The eight-mile stretch of the A12 was closed between August 9 and August 19 for resurfacing work. It will be closed again for nine nights from August 27.

All closures are from 9pm until 5am on weekdays.

Highways England released an official diversion of 20 miles - adding 30 minutes to journeys - and taking drivers via Brantham and up to the A14 in Suffolk.

A Highways England spokesman said: “The essential maintenance we are carrying out on the A12 near Colchester will replace worn out sections of road and help to keep journeys safe and reliable.

“We have planned the work carefully and have agreed the A137 through Manningtree as the most suitable diversion route for the type and volume of traffic that would normally use the A12 overnight.

“We have signs along the diversion route warning drivers of the low bridge at Manningtree railway station and advising lorry drivers to use the nearby level crossing instead.

“We have completed the first week of night work, and there has been good compliance with the height restriction so far.”

The spokesman added Highways England is on course to complete road work during the first week of September.