Motorway chaos ensued for drivers as a serious collision led to the closure of three lanes on a carriageway, causing significant delays. The incident occurred just after the Chigwell turnoff at Junction 5 on the M11 southbound between Junction 6 (M25) and Junction 4 (A406, resulting in 90-minute delays according to National Highways.
The closure of all three running lanes for essential resurfacing works necessitated traffic management via the hard shoulder, with no immediate reopening possible. Motorists were alerted to anticipate long delays as the southbound carriageway of the M11 was shut down for ongoing resurfacing work.
Specialist contractors were on-site undertaking urgent repairs across the three lanes, requiring a complete closure to ensure the safety of road users and workers. The closure was expected to persist through the morning, causing severe delays back to the M25, but efforts were underway to reopen the road before the evening peak.
The resurfacing work on the M11 was progressing, with National Highways coordinating the closure between Junction 6 and Junction 4 for safety reasons. The aim was to finalize the resurfacing and reopen the road before the evening rush hour to alleviate the congestion.
For travelers heading to or from Stansted Airport, additional travel complications arose due to separate disruptions on the Stansted Express and Cross Country rail services. Delays and cancellations were reported on Cross Country trains due to a signaling system fault at Stansted Airport, while all Stansted Express lines were blocked, necessitating alternative bus routes.
On the M11 north of London, severe delays persisted following a car fire, leading to the closure of three lanes and traffic being rerouted via the hard shoulder during resurfacing activities. National Highways emphasized the importance of planning ahead, considering alternative routes, and checking live travel updates to avoid congestion.
Essex Police confirmed no injuries from an earlier single-vehicle collision on the M11, with no arrests made as the scene was handed over to National Highways for management. The ongoing disruption was forecasted to extend through the rush hour, with delays exceeding 90 minutes and potential impacts on journeys towards central London and the A406 North Circular.
Passengers at London Stansted Airport faced delays after an evacuation due to a fire in the departure area earlier in the morning, although operations had resumed by 6 am. The lingering effects of the incident continued to cause delays for passengers.
In summary, the M11 road closure, exacerbated by a car fire and subsequent resurfacing works, prompted significant delays for motorists and travelers, underscoring the importance of alternative routes and careful journey planning.