M6 remains shut after lorry crash as drivers face ‘severe’ rush-hour delays

The M6 remains closed near Preston following a serious lorry crash and 'significant' diesel spillage. Motorists are facing 'severe' rush-hour delays of around 50 minutes this morning (March 11) as emergency barrier repairs continue. The northbound carriageway has been shut to traffic between Junction 31 and Junction 32 since the incident was first reported at around 1pm on Monday (March 10).

National Highways North West says resurfacing works 'have been completed overnight' however emergency barrier repairs 'will continue into today'. In an update posted on X at 6.42am, a spokesperson said: "Barrier repairs remain ongoing at scene and we're working hard to reopen lane 4 (of 4) this morning when possible. "Delays building on approach, please plan ahead of travel."

In a separate statement, they added: "The full closure is planned to be lifted before the morning peak period with a lane 4 closure in both directions. Later on this morning, lane 3 and 4 will be closed on the northbound carriageway and a lane 4 closure will remain in place on the southbound carriageway for the barrier repairs to be completed." Traffic monitoring service Inrix reports 'long delays' in the area with congestion back to J30 for the M61[1].

There is also heavy traffic on the A6 through Fulwood along the diversion route. A lorry driver was taken to hospital following the horror crash when his vehicle ploughed into the central reservation. Police, paramedics and highways officers attended the incident and pictures have shown the aftermath of the collision with the lorry on the central reservation as emergency crews worked at the scene.

Lancashire[2] Police confirmed the lorry driver, a man, was taken to hospital from the scene for treatment but further details have not yet been given about his condition, after the crash. "We received a report of an HGV colliding with the central reservation of the M6[3] between J31 and J32 at around 1pm today," a force spokesperson said.

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References

1. ^ M61 (www.lancs.live)
2. ^ Lancashire (www.lancs.live)
3. ^ the M6 (www.lancs.live)
4. ^ Lancashire (www.lancs.live)
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