M11 drivers are facing severe delays this morning following a car fire (September 24). The southbound carriageway of the major Essex motorway is seeing lengthy delays as three lanes have been shut near junction 5 at Loughton to junction 4.
There is congestion to the M25 junction as a result of the closures. The traffic monitoring system INRIX suggests that the road surface is in "poor condition" which could see drivers facing lengthy rush hour delays.
The incident is believed to have been caused initially from an accident at around 2.30am this morning. All traffic is currently using the hard shoulder, which is likely to be for the whole day until resurfacing of the carriageway takes place.
National Highways warned drivers to avoid the southbound M11 between junctions 5 and 4 today as a result. A spokesperson for National Highways said: "Due to damage caused across the carriageway, the hard shoulder only will be running traffic through the day before emergency resurfacing can take place tonight.
"In the meantime, and with delays expected in the area and affecting junction 6 of the M25, drivers are advised to select alternative routes for their journeys during the day."
Follow our live blog below for all the latest updates on this incident as we get them.
Drivers have been urged to avoid part of the M11 in Essex due to a vehicle fire in the early hours. The car fire happened at around 2.14am and has forced the closure of three southbound lanes between junction 5 (Loughton) and junction 4 (North Circular).
Due to damage caused across the carriageway, the hard shoulder only will be running traffic through the day before emergency resurfacing can take place tonight. In the meantime, and with delays expected in the area and affecting junction 6 of the M25, drivers are advised to select alternative routes for their journeys during the day.
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Essex Police has confirmed that no injuries were reported following a single-vehicle collision earlier this morning. There have been no arrests and the scene was left with National Highways.
Three lanes are closed and expected to remain so throughout the day due to a car fire in the early hours of the morning on the M11 southbound. The incident took place at around 2.30am between J5 and J4.
Traffic is currently using the hard shoulder to pass. Emergency resurfacing work is planned for overnight.
National Highways strongly encourage drivers to allow extra time, plan ahead, and consider alternative routes.
Good morning and welcome to this live blog. I'll keep you updated on the situation on the M11 throughout the day.