’90 minute delays’ – Six miles of queues on M6 as burnt-out lorry recovered
The section of the M6 has been closed between Junction 40 at Penrith and Junction 39 at Shap following a lorry fire in the early afternoon on Wednesday, August 21. National Highways and Cumbria Fire and Rescue attended the scene of the fire on the motorway, which has caused miles of congestion stretching back to Junction 41. Following the incident, National Highways posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a ‘complex recovery’ was taking place.
Posting just after 4pm they said: “A complex recovery and clear-up operation has been ongoing throughout the afternoon.” Traffic has now been released on the #M6[1] southbound in #Cumbria[2] between J40 (#Penrith[3]) and J39 (#Shap[4]).
2 lanes (of 3) remain closed at this time. There’s an hour and a half delay on approach with 6 miles of congestion.
Please allow extra journey time this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/a45L9CxCaL[5]
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) August 21, 2024[6]
Posting at 5.30pm they said that traffic was stopped for a few minutes to allow recovery of the vehicle, but that one of the three lanes had been re-opened.