Motorists are being urged to avoid the M11 between Junction 8 (Stansted Airport) and Junction 10 (Royston) after a lorry was overturned in high winds brought by Storm Ffion.
Essex Police closed the motorway at 10am this morning in both directions so that they can remove the vehicle from the carriageways.
The heavy goods vehicle overturned on the northbound carriageway of the motorway nearest to Junction 9 for Saffron Walden.
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The accident occurred at around 6am this morning and there have been long delays in the area since then. This has meant that delays of up to 90 minutes were predicted but this time is set to rise now that both lanes of the motorway have been closed.
A tweet from Highways England reads:
"The M11 is now closed northbound between J8 A120 Stansted and J9 A11 due to an overturned lorry.
"Road is closed to allow recovery of the vehicle to take place, long delays expected."
Traffic queues back to Stansted Airport are reported to be up to nine miles long.
Latest Update
Lane 2 of the M11 southbound between J9 and J8 has re-opened. Lane 1 of the northbound remains closed.
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At 12.19pm Highways England provided the following update:
"The M11 in Essex is closed northbound between J8 (A120/ Stanstead) and J9 (A11) due to an overturned lorry. Initially a lane 2 was closed however to recover the lorry safely the road has been closed to allow a crane to work at scene. In addition there is a lane 1 closed on the southbound carriageway .
"Northbound traffic is being diverted and should follow the solid circle symbol. Motorists should exit at J8 and take A120 to the roundabout with A10. Turn right on to A10 northbound. Continue to Royston and the roundabout with the A505. Turn right and take A505 eastbound to re-join M11 at J10.
If heading towards the area please allow additional travelling time."
Featured Image Credit: Highways England