Drivers have been warned they face major disruption on the M40 motorway in Warwickshire after a lorry fire forced the closure of the southbound carriageway between Junction 16 and Junction 15.
The stretch between Hockley Heath and Warwick has been completely shut while emergency services deal with the incident.
Traffic which was caught within the closure is currently being released past the scene in lane 3, National Highways explained.
But the closure has already led to significant delays, with motorists being urged to follow a diversion route which has been put in place to alleviate traffic.
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Drivers have been warned to expect at least 30 minute delays
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Emergency services including Warwickshire Fire and Rescue are currently at the scene tackling the blaze which has been ongoing since earlier today.
National Highways Traffic Officers have also been deployed to assist with traffic management.
The incident has required a full emergency response, with crews working to manage both the fire itself and its impact on traffic flow.
Traffic officers are coordinating efforts to safely release vehicles that were caught within the closed section of motorway.
Delays have now exceeded 30 minutes for motorists approaching the incident, with congestion stretching back to Junction 3A of the M42.
Some motorists have reported being stationary for extended periods, with social media users sharing their fury over delays.
One person shared: “Why lie???!!!! No lanes open! Been stuck for over one hour not moved at all! Cars starting to reverse through lanes, onto hard shoulder then reverse to to go up slip road (j16 I believe) ! More accidents to follow no doubt.”
National Highways has confirmed the southbound carriageway remains closed while emergency services continue their work at the scene.
The situation has led to significant tailbacks, affecting travel times for drivers heading towards Warwick on this major route.
National Highways has issued a detailed diversion route for affected motorists, marked with a hollow circle symbol on road signs.
Drivers are advised to exit the M40 southbound at Junction 16 and take the second exit onto the A3400 towards Henley-in-Arden.
After travelling approximately three miles, motorists should turn left onto the A4189 towards Warwick. The diversion continues for 6.5 miles along the A4189 to the B4463 junction, where drivers should turn right towards Warwick.
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Drivers have been advised to follow the diversion in place
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Motorists should follow the B4463 to its junction with the A46. At the A46 junction, drivers should take the second exit towards the M40. The diversion route concludes by rejoining the M40 at Junction 15.
Motorists planning to use this route are being advised to allow extra journey time for their journeys. Drivers are encouraged to check traffic conditions on their planned route before setting out and to follow the signed diversion.
