The M11 has been closed in both directions near Chigwell following a serious collision involving five vehicles.
The crash happened at approximately 4:55pm between Junction 4 (A406, North Circular Road) and Junction 6 (M25), close to Theydon Bois. Emergency services, including Essex Police, Essex Fire & Rescue, and National Highways Traffic Officers, are at the scene.
Both the northbound and southbound carriageways remain shut while collision investigators work, and recovery teams clear the area.
There are delays of over 70 minutes, with traffic at an average speed of just 5mph on the northbound stretch between the North Circular and the M25. Congestion is also building on surrounding local roads as drivers divert.
Essex Police have urged motorists to avoid the area entirely, plan alternative routes, and allow extra travel time.
Diversion routes are in place:
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Northbound traffic is following the solid diamond diversion symbol via the A406, A104, A121, and M25 J26–J27 to rejoin the M11 north of the incident.
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Southbound traffic is being redirected via the reverse route.
A National Highways spokesperson said:
“Due to the severity of the collision and ongoing emergency service activity, the M11 is expected to remain closed for several hours. We urge drivers to check traffic updates before setting off.”
