A34 closed at Oxford for emergency repairs after crash

The incident happened shortly before 2am on the northbound carriageway between Botley and Hinksey Interchanges.

Reader Elizabeth Scott shared dramatic pictures seen from west Oxford.

She said "a series of loud explosions" were heard roughly in the Botley and West Minster Way area at 1.30 am.

"This was followed by scenes of flames and smoke, with reports from the locals that it was a lorry which had caught fire at the Yarnell Hills junction, on the A34.

"Fire and rescue arrived shortly after 1.40am."

National Highways is at the scene working to recover the lorry involved in the blaze and to carry out barrier repairs and resurfacing.

The crash has resulted in damage on both sides of the road.

The A34 is closed in both directions between its junctions with the A420 at Botley and A423 at Hinksey and is likely to be closed for much of the day (Saturday April 13).

READ MORE: Highways chief accused of hypocrisy over objection to road closure near stadium

Disruption is likely to continue into the afternoon as the northbound carriageway is likely to remain closed for extensive resurfacing while barrier repairs will need to take place on both sides of the road. 

National Highways is assessing whether it can re-open a lane along the southbound carriageway but both carriageways are currently fully closed between the two interchanges.

A diversion is in place but drivers planning to use this section of the A34 are advised to seek alternative routes or delay journeys. 

Drivers travelling southbound and wishing to use the diversion should follow the ‘solid triangle’ from Botley interchange to the A34 Milton interchange mainly using the A420 and A338 west of the A34. 

Drivers heading north should follow the ‘solid diamond’ diversion in place from Hinksey Hill interchange to the A34 Peartree interchange mainly using the A40 and A44 east and north of the city centre via the southern and eastern bypasses.