M40 traffic: Overturned lorry causes road carnage with motorway likely closed for the ‘foreseeable future’
Drivers have been forced to wait in long queues of traffic after a lorry overturned on the M40, with the major motorway remaining closed throughout the day. The incident, which took place on the M40 between Junction 9 Bicester to Junction 10 Ardley Northbound, saw the lorry turn on its side and come to a rest across the motortway. Following the incident, the Southbound road was also affected while traffic management crews dealt with the accident.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the M40 would be closed for the "foreseeable future" whilst essential repairs are carried out on the carriageway. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing[email protected][1]
Drivers are still dealing with 60 minutes of delays
OXFORDSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE National Highways estimated that it would still take a number of hours for the scene to be cleared and traffic to return to normal. It is estimated that it will be cleared between 7pm and 7.15pm with traffic still not moving on the motorway.
No one was seriously injured in the crash and the driver is currently in the care of South Central Ambulance Service. The incident was attended by Bicester Fire Station, Kidlington Fire Station and Rowley Road Fire Station. Pictures of the aftermath show the major motorway covered in debris with the lorry on its side lying across two lanes.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: "This was a damage only collision and is being managed by Highways. The lorry driver suffered a minor injury." Traffic was diverted off Junction 9 onto the A34 as recovery crews were dealing with the incident and aimed to
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways: East updated its followers on the situation, adding that it thanked drivers for their patience as the lorry was removed from the scene. It stated: "There are long delays on the M40 both ways J9 to J10 near Bicester following a collision involving an overturned lorry. "The north carriageway is closed and lanes two and three are closed south.
"Delays of over 60 mins above normal travel time both ways and on A34 northbound." The National Highways route planner also shows poor traffic conditions in the surrounding area as drivers look to avoid the area and find alternative routes. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
No one was seriously injured in the incident
OXFORDSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE A diversion route has been introduced, with road users travelling Northbound being urged to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on local road signs. Drivers should exit the M40 northbound at J9 and at the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A34 westbound.
From here, they should follow the A34 westbound to the junction with the B430, turn right onto the B430 before continuing north on the B430 and use the first exit to rejoin the M40 at J10.
References
- ^ [email protected] (www.gbnews.com)