MOTORISTS on the M11 and the surrounding roads could be stuck in traffic for some time yet following a series of incidents. The Highways Agency has said that there are currently delays on the southbound carriageway for 90 minutes to two hours due to total

MOTORISTS on the M11 and the surrounding roads could be stuck in traffic for some time yet following a series of incidents.

The Highways Agency has said that there are currently delays on the southbound carriageway for 90 minutes to two hours due to total closure between Junctions 10 and 8 near Bishop's Stortford.

Traffic in the surrounding area, particularly traffic approaching Junction 10, will be affected. Road users travelling to Stansted Airport should allow extra time and should seek alternative routes.

The diversion route for the M11 starts from J10 and takes traffic westbound onto the A505 and then southbound on A10 at Royston, then eastbound on the A120 near Stanton and back onto the M11 at junction 8.

Delays began in the early hours due to an overturned lorry between Junction 9 and 8. The lorry spilled some 300 beer barrels onto the carriageway.

A second road traffic collision took place at around 9.20am on the southbound M11 between junction 10 and 9. The police are investigating the second incident.

There is also a lane closure at junction 23 of the A14 westbound near Huntingdon due to mud and bricks on the road.

A Highways Agency spokesperson said: "The incidents are particularly impacting on all traffic on the M11 travelling southbound. We do not expect the carriageway to be clear for at least three hours.

"A large number of barrels is on the carriageway and have to be picked up by hand before the lorry can be moved.