A lorry fire on the northbound M11 has closed the motorway for more than 12 hours and the road will remain shut until at least 8am this morning for emergency resurfacing work.

The lorry, carrying 40 tonnes of hay, caught fire around 5pm yesterday afternoon on the northbound carriageway of the M11 between junction 8 and junction 9.

The M11 northbound will remain shut between junction 8 and 10 until at least 8am this morning.

Colin Shead from Essex Police tweeted: “Due to the damage caused to the road surface on the #M11 lane 1 is going to have to be resurfaced before it can be reopened. Work will commence shortly.

“The plan is to have lane 2 running by the morning rush hour. Everyone is working hard to achieve this for you. Fingers crossed.”

The HGV fire was put out by 3.30am this morning by Essex Fire Service and an investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “The M11 northbound is closed between junction 8 and junction 10 due to a HGV fire.

“Road users are advised to follow the Solid Circle symbol led diversion to exit the M11 northbound at J8 to take the second exit at the roundabout and continue along the A120 to Little Hadham.

“Continue along the A120 through Stanton to the A120/A10 roundabout. Take the third exit at the roundabout and continue along the A10 to the A10/A505 roundabout at Royston. Take the third exit from this roundabout and continue on the A505 to re-join the M11 northbound at J10.

“Road users travelling to Stansted Airport are advised to allow plenty of time to complete their journey plan as the diversion route is some 30 miles in length.”