Firefighters have freed two trapped people following an 11-vehicle pile-up on the M11.
Emergency services were called to reports of an accident involving two vans and nine cars shortly after 6am.
The southbound carriageway between junctions eight and nine were closed along with one lane of the northbound carriageway which was used for emergency access.
The road has now reopened but police are advising motorists to find alternative routes due to long tailbacks.
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An Essex Police spokesman added: "Widespread disruption is expected during the rush hours and drivers are advised to use other routes."