M40 crash update: Massive delays as lorry smashes through barrier, traffic at standstill near Banbury

Motorists on the M40 are facing a nightmare commute after a series of incidents brought traffic to a standstill between Gaydon and Banbury on Friday, October 31. According to updates from National Highways, both directions of the motorway have suffered severe congestion, with delays of up to one hour southbound and 40 minutes northbound as emergency repairs continue.

The chaos began after a lorry crossed the central reservation, crashing onto the opposite carriageway and colliding with two other vehicles. The impact caused significant damage to the central barrier, forcing officials to shut down multiple lanes and divert traffic through local roads in Warwickshire.

Authorities confirmed that two people were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, while emergency teams, including police, ambulance, and fire services, worked through the night to clear the wreckage.

Motorway Closure and Traffic Update

National Highways initially closed the northbound section between Junction 11 (Banbury) and Junction 13 (Leamington Spa) on Tuesday night. By Wednesday morning, the southbound carriageway between Junction 15 (Warwick) and Junction 12 (Gaydon) remained closed as crews conducted structural repairs to the damaged barriers.

In a statement, National Highways said the extent of the damage meant the closure could last throughout the morning, and motorists were urged to plan ahead and allow extra journey time. Vehicles trapped within the closure zone have since been released, but diversions remain in effect across several local routes.

Officials estimate that normal traffic flow may not resume until late evening, warning that congestion could persist for hours as repair teams race against time to restore the motorway.

Secondary Congestion and Regional Impact

The disruption on the M40 has also spilled over into nearby roads, worsening delays for drivers traveling around Warwick, Leamington Spa, and the surrounding villages.

With thousands of vehicles rerouted, local traffic networks are under immense strain, and National Highways has advised motorists to avoid the area if possible. “We are working as quickly and safely as we can to reopen the motorway,” the agency stated, thanking travelers for their patience.

Safety Reminder and Ongoing Repairs

Authorities have used the incident to reiterate warnings about motorway safety, urging drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, and respect speed limits in roadwork zones. The barrier replacement and road resurfacing operations are expected to continue into the evening.

National Highways emphasized that emergency measures, including temporary speed restrictions, will remain in place until engineers confirm the motorway is safe for full reopening.

As of this afternoon, traffic monitoring systems show significant delays stretching several miles north and south of the affected area, particularly between Junctions 11 and 15.

 FAQs

Q1: Why is the M40 closed today?
A lorry crashed through the central barrier, causing significant damage and colliding with other vehicles. Emergency services had to shut down both directions for safety and repairs.

Q2: Which parts of the M40 are affected?
The northbound carriageway between Junctions 11 and 13 and the southbound stretch between Junctions 15 and 12 have been most affected.

Q3: How long will the M40 remain closed?
National Highways expects normal traffic to resume later in the evening, though residual delays could persist into the night.

Q4: What is causing the ongoing congestion northbound?
Emergency barrier repairs are underway, causing lane closures and slower movement of vehicles.

Q5: Are there diversion routes available?
Yes. Motorists are being diverted through local Warwickshire routes while engineers work on the affected section.