M11 closed: Drivers warned of hours-long delays near Stansted Airport following 'serious collision'

While Essex Police is leading the incident, all emergency services are on the scene, while traffic officers are assisting with rolling closures on the approach.

The ongoing incident has blocked the northbound to allow the air ambulance to attend the scene, according to an update from X, formerly known as Twitter.

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Traffic maps from National Highways show that normal conditions are not expected to return until at least 1.15pm, although the scene is expected to be cleared by 12.30pm.

This could cause massive havoc for motorists travelling to Stansted Airport as both lanes of the M11 on the approach to the Airport remain closed.

So far, National Highways has reported that it is unclear when the carriageway will be reopened.

It noted that plans are being made to clear the traffic caught within the closure, with officers at the scene expected to give instructions soon.

A spokesperson from Essex Police said: "M11 is currently closed in both directions between junctions 7 and 8 due to a serious collision.

"This is also impacting slip roads around Stansted Airport and the surrounding areas. Emergency services are working at the scene.

"Please avoid the area. We appreciate the inconvenience this will cause.

"We will issue an update as soon as we practically can. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

National Highways is advising road users to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs:

• Exit at J8 Southbound onto the A120 west to Little Hadham.
• Continue on the A120 through Little Hadham and Standon to the A120/A10 roundabout.
• At the roundabout take the first exit onto the A10 south.
• Continue on the A10 through Colliers End, High Cross, Thundridge and Ware to the A10/A414(Harlow) roundabout.
• At the A10/A414 roundabout take the first exit onto the A414 east to Harlow.
• Continue on the A414 through Harlow and rejoin the M11 at junction 7.

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In its latest update, National Highways reported: "The M11 remains closed southbound between J8 (Stansted Airport) and J7A Harlow due to an ongoing Essex Police led incident.

"The northbound carriageway has been released with all lanes now flowing."