Severe delays after M6 shuts following lorry crash

There were severe delays on the M6 motorway after it was shut for 20 hours following a crash and diesel spillage in Lancashire. The northbound carriageway was shut to traffic between Junction 31 and Junction 32 near Preston. The closure was first reported at around 1pm on Monday (March 10) and continued into Tuesday morning, with drivers stuck in two-hour delays.

The prolonged closure came after a lorry involved in the crash has experienced a 'significant diesel spillage'. A National Highways spokesperson said: "The M6 in Lancashire is closed northbound between J31 and J32 near Preston to allow for emergency resurfacing works to take place following a collision involving a lorry which resulted in a significant diesel spillage. The lorry struck the central reservation barrier, coming to rest on top of it.

As a result of this, the fuel tank was ruptured, spilling the entire contents over the road surface. "A complex recovery and clear-up operation has been ongoing throughout the afternoon. Unfortunately all 4 lanes of the road surface need resurfacing."

At 5am on Tuesday, they added: "The #M6 in Lancashire remains closed northbound between J31 and J32 near #Preston for emergency barrier repairs and resurfacing works Resurfacing works have been completed overnight. Emergency barrier repairs will continue into today." The motorway re-opened at 9.15am but drivers were still left in 90 minute queues.

This is a breaking news story and we will bring you updates as we get them in the live blog below