The M40 motorway in Oxfordshire remains closed southbound between Junction 8A near Oxford and Junction 6 near Watlington following a serious collision on Monday evening. A car and a tanker carrying bitumen collided at approximately 7:45pm, causing a large spillage of the hazardous substance across the carriageway. Emergency services and specialist teams are working to safely contain and clear the spill, with National Highways confirming that no injuries occurred.
A replacement tanker brought in to pump the remaining bitumen from the damaged vehicle was unable to do so, delaying recovery efforts. National Highways stated that another tanker is being sourced to continue the pumping operation. The road will remain closed until the tanker is removed, after which one lane will reopen while lanes one and two stay shut for resurfacing work.
National Highways engineers have assessed the road surface and confirmed significant damage. Because the bitumen has hardened on the carriageway, a simple clean-up is insufficient; the affected lanes will need to be planed and resurfaced under a full closure. This emergency resurfacing is scheduled to begin overnight.
There is approximately three miles of congestion on approach to the closure, adding around half an hour to normal journey times. Drivers are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on local road signs. National Highways warned that significant delays are likely and urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance.
