HGV balanced over footpath after crash on M40 in Oxfordshire
Drivers are being warned to avoid a section of the M40 after the collision, which took place at around 5am this morning (December 24) between junctions 7 for Thame and 6 for Lewknor. National Highways said for the vehicle to be safely recovered, the southbound carriageway had to be closed in full at around 11am between junction 8a at Oxford Services and junction 6 at Lewknor. Work is now beginning on repairing the safety barrier on the bridge.
Craig Sowden, operations manager for National Highways' East region, advised drivers to avoid the area if they can. He said: "This collision has left an HGV balancing precariously over a footpath used by members of the public below. "We have looked at all possible options but the only way to manage this situation safely is to close the carriageway. "We thank drivers for their patience and would advise them to allow extra time for their journeys." A diversion route is in place with drivers already experiencing a 45-minute delay and queues going back as far as junction 9. Bus services to and from Heathrow Airport have been delayed and some cancelled. According to the Oxford Mail's live traffic[2] feed, all traffic restrictions were lifted at around 2.45pm.References