M40 - Emergency roadworks operation
The M40 in Oxfordshire is closed southbound between J8A (Oxford) and J6 (Watlington) following a serious collision.
The M40 southbound remains closed between J8A (Oxford) and J6 (Watlington) following a serious collision involving a car and a tanker at approximately 7:45pm on Monday 17th November.
Emergency services responded to the collision where thankfully nobody was injured but a large spillage of bitumen was confirmed and the road closed to safely respond to the scene. Emergency services then worked with our specialist teams to safely contain a spillage of bitumen from the damaged tanker.
Because the bitumen has hardened on the carriageway, simple clean-up isn’t enough, the affected lanes are now being planed and resurfaced. This work can only be done safely under a full closure.
Please plan journeys in advance as significant delays are likely.
Diversion Route
Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Triangle diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M40 at J8A and head onto the A418/A40.
- Join the A40/London road southbound and follow until the A329.
- At the A40/A329 turn left then immediate right to continue on the A40/London road.
- Continue on the A40 southbound to the junction with the B4009.
- At the A40/B4009 turn right onto the B4009 westbound.
- At the B4009/M40 J6 re-join the M40 southbound at J6.
If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional 'X' feed. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
Modal with carousel
Emergency services attending the scene of the M40 collision involving a tanker and a van. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Crews worked quickly to secure the area and release traffic within the closures in lane 3.
Specialist teams arriving at the scene to assess the situation and confirm the extent of damage and assist emergency services in the containment of the bitumen spill.
Containment of the spill was the first priority before any clearance began.
Hardened bitumen spill on the M40. Once cooled, bitumen bonds to the road surface, making removal extremely challenging. Lanes 1 and 2 will need planing and resurfacing.
