Major chaos on M11 after lorry flips near Stansted
Motorists face severe delays after a goods lorry smashed through the central reservation and overturned on the M11 in Essex. The motorway is shut both ways between Stansted Airport and Harlow, sparking gridlock and travel misery.
Lorry Crash Closes M11 Both Ways
The smash happened just before 3pm near junction 8 (Stansted/Bishop’s Stortford). Essex Police, fire crews, and paramedics raced to the scene. The M11 is closed between junction 7 (Harlow Hastingwood) and junction 9 (A11). Long tailbacks stretch for miles, trapping vehicles on both sides of the carriageway.
Flights Missed as Motorway Closure Hits Stansted
Adam Pipe, head of Essex roads policing, warned the chaos is causing knock-on effects for air travellers. He said:
“Clearly people are going to be missing their flights. There is trapped traffic between junction seven and eight northbound, and junction nine and eight southbound.”
He urged frustrated drivers not to leave their vehicles and walk on the hard shoulder.
“We will get to members of the public as quickly as we can, but please remain in your vehicles.”
Traffic Diverted – But Local Roads Jammed
National Highways has rolled out diversions to ease the squeeze, but surrounding A-roads and towns including Bishop’s Stortford and Great Dunmow are choking on extra traffic. Images from Highways England show deserted motorway sections with cars and lorries at a standstill, especially northbound near Stansted Airport.
Recovery Work Underway – No Reopening Time Confirmed
The overturned lorry is still being recovered, and there’s no confirmed time for the M11 to reopen. Essex Police are working with Highways England to safely clear stranded vehicles and get traffic flowing again.
Drivers are urged to avoid the M11 totally, find alternative routes, and check flight times directly with their airlines to avoid missing departures.
