Motorists face further misery this morning (July 4) due to the ongoing disruption caused by yesterday's chemical spill on the M11
The carraigeway remains closed southbound after a 25 metre section of the carriageway - and the gulleys of the northbound carriageway - between junctions 7 and 8 were coated with a chemical foam after a lorry overturned at around 5pm yesterday (July 3)It is hoped that the road will be reopened by 9am but travellers are advised to check the route and plan their journeys in advance.
The northbound carriageway opened at 5.50am this morning.
The foam started to solidify on contact with the carriageway and also penetrated the surface.
Operations Manager, Ian Jobson said, "We have been working throughout the night to ensure the foam is removed as quickly and safely as possible but this is a complicated operation.
"The nature of the chemical involved has meant that we have had to ensure none of it reaches the water course and so the clean up operation involves jetwashing the carriageway surface and then using gulley suckers to ensure all liquid is removed and can be safely and environmentally disposed of away from the scene.
"We are working as quickly as we can and we would like to thank road users for their patience while we carry out this important work."
At the request of Essex Fire Service a 150 metre exclusion zone was put in place until it could be established that the foam was not releasing toxic fumes.
The Environment Agency were also at the scene until 1am this morning carrying out assessments on environmental impact and drains alongside the carriageway were covered to ensure the chemical did not reach the water courses.
Southbound traffic is advised to follow the hollow square symbol on diversion signs which will direct traffic to leave the M11 at junction 8 and travel along the A120 to Puckeridge, then join the A10 and continue to Harlow to join the A414 and rejoin the M11 at Junction 7.
Southbound traffic is advised to follow the hollow square symbol on diversion signs which will direct traffic to leave the M11 at junction 8 and travel along the A120 to Puckeridge, then join the A10 and continue to Harlow to join the A414 and rejoin the M11 at Junction 7.
