Motorists face traffic chaos as hay bales cover major road and cause long delays during rush hour

The road has been closed since around 5am after National Highways received reports of hay bales blocking the carriageway.

Suffolk Police responded alongside National Highways area team crews to clear the scene and manage the situation.

National Highways said its team remained on the scene to clear the obstruction.

However, drivers could remain with long delays as the transport agency acknowledged the large quantity of hay, which requires specialist equipment to assist with the clear-up.

Traffic maps show there are currently 30 minutes of delays above expected journey times on the A14 approaching Kentford.

National Highways has called for drivers to allow extra journey time and potentially re-route or delay their journey if they are to be impacted.

Normal traffic conditions are not expected until around 11am, with National Highways expecting the scene to be clear around the same time.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Police told GB News: "Police were called just before 4:45am to reports of hay bales in the road, affecting traffic travelling on the westbound A14 at Kentford.

"This is believed to be following a collision between two vehicles.

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"Officers attending and closed the westbound, including the onslip from the A11."

National Highways has outlined a diversion route for motorists to follow, although it is not being outlined with road symbols.

Drivers should exit the A14 at J39 Kentford and follow the B1506 through the village to its junction with the A1304.

At the junction, they should turn left and continue on the A1304 to the roundabout at the clock tower.

At the roundabout, they should take the third exit and continue on to the A142 to rejoin the A14 heading westbound at Junction 37.

Standstill traffic is still being seen westbound past Junction 40, with at least 30 minutes of delays.

Slow-moving traffic is seen towards Higham and on the approach to Newmarket, with average speeds of just 5mph, according to AA traffic maps.