The M11 motorway in Essex remains closed southbound today between Junction 7 (Harlow) and Junction 6 (M25) following a serious collision that caused major disruption for motorists throughout the region. Authorities confirmed that recovery operations are now ongoing at the scene, with teams working to clear the roadway and safely restore traffic flow as soon as conditions allow.
The incident occurred earlier today, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly. Police, ambulance crews, and highway officers were deployed to manage the situation, assist those involved, and ensure public safety.
While the exact circumstances of the collision have not yet been fully detailed, the severity of the incident required a full southbound closure of the motorway, leading to significant congestion on surrounding routes.
Drivers travelling towards London and the M25 experienced lengthy delays, with queues building rapidly during peak travel hours. Traffic has been diverting onto local roads through Harlow and surrounding areas, causing knock-on delays and heavier congestion on secondary routes that are not typically designed to handle motorway-level traffic volumes. Essex Police and National Highways urged motorists to avoid the area where possible and to follow signed diversion routes.
National Highways issued a statement acknowledging the disruption and thanking drivers for their patience. Officials noted that recovery work is currently underway, including the removal of damaged vehicles and debris, as well as safety inspections of the carriageway. Once recovery is complete, crews will assess whether any repairs or further checks are required before reopening the motorway to traffic.
For motorists currently caught within the closure, authorities expressed hope that traffic could begin moving again once the scene is sufficiently cleared. However, they cautioned that reopening times depend on the progress of recovery efforts and safety assessments. Drivers are advised to remain in their vehicles unless instructed otherwise, keep emergency lanes clear, and follow directions from traffic officers on site.
Although no official update has yet been released regarding injuries, incidents of this nature often require careful investigation to establish what occurred and whether any additional action is needed. Police will typically review evidence from the scene, including vehicle positions and witness accounts, before issuing further information.
The closure highlights the wider impact that motorway collisions can have, particularly on major commuter routes such as the M11, which serves as a vital link between Cambridge, Harlow, and London. Even a single incident can cause ripple effects across the regional road network, affecting thousands of drivers and nearby communities.
