Lorry fire leads to 13-hour closure of M11 south of Cambridge

The M11 in Cambridgeshire was closed for 13 hours on Friday (29 November) following an early morning lorry fire. Fire crews from Sawston, Cottenham, Cambridge and Burwell along with a water carrier from Newmarket and a crew from Royston were called at 5.33am to the fire near junction 11 for Harston and Cambridge South.

Firefighters at the scene of the lorry fire on the M11 on 29 November, 2024. Picture: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

They wore breathing apparatus and used hose reels and small tools to extinguish the accidental fire, returning to their stations by 7.50am, but then resurfacing had to take place. The road was closed northbound between junctions 11 and junction 12 for Cambridge, with a long diversion via the A10, A505.

A1198 and A603, as Highways East arranged for the work to be carried out.

Firefighters at the scene of the lorry fire on the M11 on 29 November, 2024.

Picture: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

Highways East said during the closure: “Following a lorry fire the road needs to be resurfaced. We’re arranging the crew, equipment and tarmac to carry this out. It is expected the motorway will remain closed for several more hours.”

There were no injuries from the fire and the M11 eventually reopened at about 6.30pm on Friday.

Firefighters at the scene of the lorry fire on the M11 on 29 November, 2024.

Picture: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

In the meantime, a crash at junction 10 for Duxford in the afternoon forced the closure of one lane, adding to the delays experienced by motorists.