Delays are expected to continue along the M11 in Essex until 11.15am after a lorry overturned spilling glue over both carriageways yesterday evening.
The southbound lane, which had remained closed between junction 7, for the A414, and junction 8, for the A120 towards Stansted Airport, reopened around 10am. However the Highways Agency expects delays of 10 minutes to remain while congestion clears.
Five fire engines as well as other emergency services and the Environment Agency were sent to the motorway after the accident which happened just after 5pm. No other vehicles are involved and the driver of the lorry is not believed to be seriously injured.
The accident has caused severe delays in both directions between J7 for the A414 to Harlow and J8 for the A120 to Stansted Airport.
There is a diversion in operation via the A414, A10 and A120. There was also congestion on the northbound carriageway back to J6 for the M25.
Essex Police last night said the road is likely to remain closed for a “considerable time” and are advising motorists to avoid the area. Motorists going to Stansted Airport should plan alternate routes avoiding the motorway and allow plenty of extra time for their journeys, police said.
The chemicals in the glue have been identified as melamine formaldehyde resin and phosphoric acid, they are described as “non-toxic”.
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