Motorists are facing severe delays after a goods lorry crossed the central reservation and overturned on the M11 motorway in Essex, forcing the closure of the road in both directions between Stansted Airport and Harlow.
The incident occurred near junction 8 (Stansted/Bishop’s Stortford) just before 3pm, prompting an emergency response involving Essex Police, fire services, and paramedics. The M11 was shut between junctions 7 (Harlow Hastingwood) and 9 (A11), with long tailbacks and trapped vehicles reported on both carriageways.
Flights Missed as Motorway Closure Hits Stansted Access
Adam Pipe, head of Essex roads policing, confirmed the crash is impacting air travel, stating:
“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 drivers not to walk along the hard shoulder, which some have resorted to in frustration.
“We will get to members of the public as quickly as we can, but please remain in your vehicles.”
National Highways Confirms Diversions
National Highways has implemented diversions to redirect traffic away from the affected stretch, although congestion is building on nearby A-roads and within surrounding towns including Bishop’s Stortford and Great Dunmow.
Images from Highways England show sections of the motorway completely empty, with lorries and cars at a standstill on approach lanes, particularly northbound towards Stansted Airport.
Ongoing Incident and Safety Plea
There is no confirmed time for the road to reopen, and recovery of the overturned lorry is ongoing. Essex Police are coordinating with Highways England to safely remove stranded vehicles and restore normal traffic flow.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the M11 entirely, seek alternative routes, and check flight times with their airlines.
