National Highways has announced a series of phased overnight closures on the M11 and A11 near Saffron Walden and South Cambridgeshire, starting on or after Monday, August 10, 2026. The closures, which will run between 8pm and 6am for approximately four months, are required to carry out essential resurfacing, safety barrier upgrades, and roundabout improvements at nearby local authority sites. The traffic order came into force on Monday, August 3, 2026, and was published on the Public Notice Portal and in Cambridge News.
Key Closures and Diversions
The closures will affect several sections of the A11 and M11, with clearly signed diversion routes for motorway and non-motorway traffic. Specific details are as follows:
- A11 southbound: From the exit slip at Balsham Road junction to the entry slip at Fourwentways, including the Balsham Road entry slip. Diversion: Westbound at A14 junction 36 to join the M11 southbound at A14 junction 31.
- A11 and M11 southbound: From the A505 Pampisford Interchange to the M11 entry slip at junction 9a, including the A11 entry slip at Newmarket Road, Abington, and the A11 exit slip at Stump Cross Interchange. Diversion: Southbound on the A505 from Pampisford; motorway traffic to continue to M11 junction 10, non-motorway traffic via the A1301 southbound.
- M11 and A11 northbound: From the M11 exit slip at junction 9a to the A11 entry slip at Fourwentways, including the entry slips at A11 Stump Cross Interchange and A505 Pampisford Interchange. When the A11 entry slip at Pampisford is open, traffic via the A505 northbound from M11 junction 10 to re-join the A11 at Pampisford Interchange. When the A11 entry slip at Pampisford is closed, motorway traffic via the A14 eastbound from M11 junction 14 to re-join the A11 at A14 junction 36 Nine Mile Hill Interchange; non-motorway traffic via the A505 slip to Newmarket Road then A1307 Cambridge Road.
All lay-bys adjacent to the A11 northbound and southbound between Stump Cross Interchange and Balsham Road junction will be closed 24 hours a day during the works period. The closures will not apply to emergency service or works vehicles, and signed diversion routes will be displayed on the network.
Schedule and Duration
The traffic order came into force on Monday, August 3, 2026, with works scheduled to begin on or after Monday, August 10, 2026. The overnight closures will run from 8pm to 6am for approximately four months. However, the order may remain in force for up to 18 months or until the works are complete, whichever is earlier, to allow for contingencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the M11 and A11 be closed overnight?
The works are planned in phases from Monday August 10, 2026, overnight between 8pm and 6am for about four months.
Which junctions are affected?
Key locations include M11 junctions 9a, 10 and 14, A11 Fourwentways, Stump Cross Interchange, Balsham Road junction, A14 junctions 31 and 36, and the A505 Pampisford Interchange.
What diversion routes are in place?
Signed diversions will use the A14, A505, A1301 and M11, with separate arrangements for motorway and non-motorway traffic as set out above.
Will lay-bys remain open?
No. All A11 lay-bys between Stump Cross and Balsham Road will be closed 24 hours daily during the works period.
Who is exempt from the closures?
The restrictions will not apply to emergency service or works vehicles.
How long could the order last?
While works are expected to take around four months, the order may remain in force for up to eighteen months to allow for contingencies.
Where can I read the official notice or ask questions?
The legal notice appears on Public Notice Portal and was published in Cambridge News. General enquiries can be made in writing to Natalie Lander, National Highways, Woodlands, Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7LW, by email to natalie.lander@nationalhighways.co.uk, or by telephoning 07925 892814. Those who have any concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to review the full public notice and contact National Highways using the details above.
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