M11 traffic LIVE as police close motorway in Essex after 'serious' car crash

A section of the M11 has been closed in Essex following a 'serious' crash on the northbound carriageway between J6 for Epping and J7 for Harlow

Police closed a section of a major UK motorway this evening following a "serious collision".

The crash occurred on the M11 on the northbound carriageway between J6 for Epping and J7 for Harlow.

Motorists have been urged to "avoid the area" by Essex Police. National Highways said three cars were involved in the collision.

00:47KEY EVENT

M11 Northbound reopened

The M11 northbound has fully reopened between J6 M25 and J7 Harlow following an earlier serious collision. The southbound lanes remain closed.

00:33Olivia Beeson

Traffic now able to pass on hard shoulder

Police have advised traffic caught within the closure can now pass the scene on the hard shoulder. According to National Highways traffic is now beginning to be released.

23:47Olivia Beeson

Traffic remains caught in closure

According to National Highways traffic remains caught within the closure. A spokesperson said: "Additional resources are en route to turn traffic caught within the closure around via the rear of the queue."

22:55Zahra Khaliq

Southbound diversion route

Diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol:

• Exit the M11 southbound at J7 onto Hastingwood Interchange
• At the interchange, take the 3rd exit at the roundabout onto the A414 London Road (signposted Harlow)
• Continue on the A414 for 10.5 miles until the A10 interchange
• At the interchange, take the 1st exit onto the A10 southbound (signposted Hoddesdon/Cheshunt/London)
• Continue for 7 miles until the M25 interchange
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit to join the M25 clockwise
• Continue until J27 and then take the 2nd exit to re-join the M11 southbound at J6

22:50KEY EVENT

Three cars involved in serious collision

Three cars were involved in a serious collision on the M11 and the southbound carriageway has been closed to allow the emergency services to work safely at the scene, National Highways has said.

National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene providing assistance with traffic management.

22:49Zahra Khaliq

No estimated re-opening time for M11 Southbound

The southbound lane on the M11 is closed between J7 Harlow and J6 M25 following a serious crash.

National Highways has warned drivers to avoid the area, adding there is no estimated time for reopening as emergency services continue to work at the scene.

22:38Zahra Khaliq

Northbound diversion route

Northbound traffic is being diverted via the solid diamond diversion symbol:

• Exit the M11 northbound J6 via the interchange link road onto the M25 anti-clockwise.
• At J25, exit the M25 anti-clockwise, at the roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A10 Great Cambridge Road.
• Continue on the A10 for approx. 7 miles and then take the exit onto the A414.
• Continue following the A414 until the Hastingwood interchange. At the interchange, take the 1st exit to re-join the M11 at J7.

22:35KEY EVENT

Car left carriageway and overturned

This evening's northbound crash saw a car leave the carriageway and overturn.

Emergency services, including Essex Police, are in attendance and the northbound lane between Junction 6 and Junction 7 remains closed. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management.

22:34Zahra Khaliq

Northbound lane remains closed

The M11 northbound remains closed between J6 (M25) and J7 (Harlow) following a serious collision, National Highways said in an update issued shortly after 10pm.

"Traffic caught within the closure is now passing the scene in lane 3," the statement adds.

22:20Zahra Khaliq

Police appeal for information

Police have asked members of the public with any information relating to the northbound crash to contact them

"If you saw what happened or have any dashcam footage, we need you to contact us," an Essex Police spokesperson said.

Anyone with information or "other footage in relation to this incident" should call 101. You can also submit a report on the force's website or use their 24-hour live chat service.

22:09Zahra Khaliq

Second collision took place nearby

A second, less serious collision took place on the other carriageway this evening. Police believe it was a separate incident.

22:06KEY EVENT

Drivers face 45-minute long delays

Drivers have been warned to expect delays of at least 45 minutes above normal travel times on approach following a crash on the M11. "Please still allow extra journey time," National Highways has warned.

21:54Ethan Blackshaw

Traffic cam shows build up on M11

Traffic cameras show a major build up on the M11 following the crash which took place shortly before 7.40pm this evening.

The northbound carriageway between J6 (M25 Interchange) and J7 (Harlow) is closed while emergency services respond to the incident and examine the scene.

21:50KEY EVENT

Essex Police issues statement

Essex Police is appealing for information following the serious collision. The force said: "Please avoid the area if you can, and if you saw what happened or have any dashcam footage, we need you to contact us."

Anyone with information or "other footage in relation to this incident" should call 101, submit a report on the force's website or use their 24-hour live chat service, external.