Motorists are facing long delays this morning following a number of serious crashes on the M11 in Essex, prompting further delays on the M25 towards London.
Drivers are facing standstill traffic on the M11 in Essex between J6 (M25) and J4 (A406) due to a collision.
National Highways has warned of "severe disruption" heading southbound after a serious collision just after Junction 5 (Chigwell).
All three running lanes remain closed and will require resurfacing works before they can be reopened.
At present, National Highways reports severe delays of at least 90 minutes, with traffic conditions only expected to return to normal later in the coming hours.
While traffic is being diverted via the hard shoulder, there are delays on the approach in excess of 90 minutes, with congestion also impacting the M25.
The transport agency stated that significant disruption is expected to continue over the coming hours and may impact journeys towards central London and the A406 North Circular.
Long delays remain on the M11 and the M25 this morning
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Following the accidents, specialist contractors have been called in to carry out complex repair and resurfacing works.
This will allow lanes to be safely reopened as soon as possible, and help to mitigate the delays on the M11 and M25.
National Highways stated: "We strongly encourage drivers to allow extra time, plan ahead, and consider alternative routes.
Standstill traffic can be seen across the transport network following the accidents
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
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"Road users are also advised to check live travel updates before setting out to avoid becoming caught in congestion.
"National Highways is working closely with partners to ensure the safe management of traffic and the earliest possible restoration of normal running conditions."
National Highways Traffic Officers dealt with a car fire on the M11 this morning at around 2.30am between J5 and J4.
Essex Police confirmed that no injuries were reported following the single-vehicle collision, Essex Live reported.
It added that no arrests were made at the scene, with National Highways taking over the handling of the traffic incident.
National Highways said it was working closely with partners to ensure the traffic situation was being managed properly.
It confirmed that it would also look to restore normal running conditions at the earliest possible time.