Road Traffic Collision Closes M11 Southbound Between J10 and J8

Motorists are facing significant delays on the M11 southbound following a lorry fire between Junction 10 (Duxford Interchange) and Junction 8 (Birchanger Green Interchange) near Stansted Airport. The incident has prompted a complete carriageway closure as emergency services, including Essex Fire and Rescue and National Highways Traffic Officers, work to manage the situation.

Emergency Response and Traffic Management

The lorry fire has caused severe disruption, with smoke and debris affecting the road surface. Emergency crews are on-site, working to extinguish the fire and clear the affected area. There is currently no estimate for when the road will reopen.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area and follow diversion routes marked with the hollow triangle symbol on local road signs.

Diversion Routes for Affected Traffic

To minimize congestion, National Highways has issued the following diversion guidance:

For Traffic Exiting at J10:

1. Exit at J10 and take the third exit at the roundabout onto the A505 westbound towards Royston.
2. At the A10 roundabout in Royston, take the first exit.
3. Follow the A10 southbound through the towns of Reed, Buckland, Chipping, Buntingford, Colliers End, High Cross, Thundridge, and Ware.
4. At the A414 roundabout, take the first exit onto the A414 towards Harlow and continue to J7 of the M11.
5. For traffic heading to Stansted Airport, take the first exit from the roundabout to join the M11 northbound.
6. For traffic bound for the M25 and London, take the second exit from the roundabout to rejoin the M11 southbound.

For Traffic from the A11:

1. At the Stump Cross Interchange with the M11 spur road from the A11 southbound, take the third exit at the roundabout and cross over the A11.
2. At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto the A1301.
3. Continue to the A505 roundabout near Pampsford.
4. Take the first exit and follow the A505 westbound to J10 of the M11.
5. Pick up the diversion detailed above from J10 to J8.

Traffic and Public Safety Advice

Motorists are urged to plan ahead, check live traffic updates, and use alternative routes if possible. National Highways and Essex Police are advising against non-essential travel through the area until the situation is resolved.

Public Reactions and Updates

Commuters have taken to social media to express frustration at the unexpected disruption. One user tweeted:

“Stuck on the M11 for over an hour—fire crews everywhere. Hope everyone is safe.”

Local businesses near the closure points are also reporting a decrease in foot traffic as drivers are forced to take lengthy detours.

Stay Informed

For the latest updates, visit the National Highways website or follow them on social media. Travelers are encouraged to check local traffic news and monitor apps like Google Maps for real-time congestion reports.

For further information or assistance, contact National Highways on 0300 123 5000.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to The Sentinel Current for more updates as they become available.

More from: Essex