0735 hrs

Highways England is advising drivers to plan their journeys following 2 serious incidents, one on the M11 in Essex and the second on the M1 in Hertfordshire.

Emergency resurfacing is currently ongoing on the M11 on the northbound carriageway between junction 8 for Stansted Airport and junction 10 at Royston following a HGV fire which happened shortly after 5pm yesterday afternoon.

The HGV was carrying around 44 tonnes of hay which caught fire causing severe damage to the surface. The carriageway is expected to remain closed for the majority of this morning’s rush hour.

On the M1 in Hertfordshire, a police investigation is underway between junctions 9 and 8 (Harpenden and Hemel Hempstead) on the southbound carriageway following an incident at around 3am this morning involving a van which has overturned.

Traffic is passing the scene using the hard shoulder. The remainder of the carriageway is expected to remain closed until after this morning’s rush hour.

Drivers are being advised to allow extra time to complete their journeys in these areas or to consider alternative routes.

Highways England provides live traffic information via its website www.highways.gov.uk/traffic, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile platforms, such as iPhone. Local twitter services are also available at @HighwaysEast

0730 hrs

THE M11 in Essex is closed northbound between J8 (Stansted Airport) and J10 (Royston) due to an earlier HGV fire which occurred just after 17:00 yesterday afternoon.

The HGV was carrying around 44 tonnes of hay bales which also caught fire. Vehicle recovery work has been completed, further clean-up work and resurfacing will also be taking place prior to re-opening the carriageway. 25 metres of road will have to be resurfaced.

A diversion route is in effect following the Solid Circle symbol led diversion to exit the M11 northbound at J8 to take the second exit at the roundabout and continue along the A120 to Little Hadham. Continue along the A120 through Stanton to the A120/A10 roundabout. Take the third exit at the roundabout and continue along the A10 to the A10/A505 roundabout at Royston. Take the third exit from this roundabout and continue on the A505 to re-join the M11 northbound at J10.

Road users travelling to Stansted Airport are advised to allow plenty of time to complete their journey plan as the diversion route is some 30 miles in length.

0700 hrs

M11 still closed after Junction 8, northbound after Stansted.

Likely to remain closed until after 8am.

Update 3.30am

The Incident commander reported that the fire is now out. Crews will remain on scene to continue dampening down the hay and assist Essex Police with the clear up operation.

An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire.

Update 9pm

A mechanical digger is now being used to assist crews in protecting the surrounding area. Firefighters are attempting to break down the hay bales to fully extinguish the fire.

**This is an ongoing incident. More information will be added when it is available**

Update 8.30pm

Firefighters are continuing to focus on the surrounding risks and dampen down the immediate area to avoid the fire spreading.

Update 7pm

Station Manager Dave Barnard said:

“Our current concern is the possibility of the fire spreading from the lorry to a barley field nearby, so we are working hard to prevent this happening.

“To extinguish the fire we’ve been using water from a large pond adjacent to the incident. We’re also having to shuttle water over to the incident as the hydrants are some distance away.

“In addition to our firefighting activities we are working with Essex Police on the clean up operation and organising how we can move the vehicle on once the fire is extinguished.

“We expect this incident to last until at least midnight so please avoid the area tonight.”

2300 hrs

1850 hrs

M11 J8 > J9 will be closed until at least midnight due to the scale of the fire & expected cleanup.

If you are travelling southbound please keep you windows closed due to smoke.

This is a @ECFRS led incident to control the fire & prevent spread to nearby fields.

1830 hrs

Fire Crews are currently dealing with a lorry fire on the M11, northbound between junction 8 and junction 9.

On arrival firefighters reported that the lorry had around 40 tonnes of hay on it and the whole vehicle was 100% alight.

The road has been closed – please avoid the area.

**This is an ongoing incident. More information will be added when it is available**

1745 hrs

Traffic held currently on the M11 northbound btwn J8 – J9 Essex due to a HGV fire.

ECFRS Fire and Rescue Service on scene and dealing with it.

Long delays back to J7.

If travelling to @STN_Airport allow extra journey time.

1715 hrs

Delays on M11 due to lorry fire.
Northbound near Stansted turnoff.

Traffic at a standstill.
More follows.