Traffic is still heavy on the A406 after a tanker spilled gallons of fuel onto the road earlier this morning near South Woodford.
Firefighters who went to the scene near Waterworks Corner at 5.30am said they had to make a dam with ladders to stem the flow.
The petrol was six inches deep at some points and had to be contained to prevent it pouring into drains and becoming an environmental hazard.
Lanes are still closed westbound on the A406 at the Waterworks Corner as the clean-up operation continues.
Closures are expected to remain until the late afternoon as the spill has damaged the road surface.
Delays are currently reported in the South Woodford and Gants Hill areas as well as on the M11 and surrounding roads.
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