M6 updates as lorry overturns and bursts into flames causing rush hour delays
Rush hour traffic is at a standstill after a major UK motorway was closed when a lorry overturned and burst into flames. The fire saw the M6 northbound in Cumbria has been closed down in between the J36 Crooklands Interchange and the J39 Shap Interchange. The incident was first reported at around 5.20am on the northbound carriageway between junctions 36 and 38.
All three lanes of the carriageway, as well as two lanes of the southbound carriageway, have been closed. Recovery work is now under way to clear the lorry and debris from the fire. Cumbria Fire & Rescue, Cumbria Police, National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors are on scene.
20:29Fiona LeishmanRoad reopened
National Highways have confirmed that the M6 northbound between J36 for Kirby Lonsdale and J38 for Tebay is now fully open.
They thanked drivers for "being patient" in the wake of what became a full-day closure.
17:45Joe SmithExtent of closure mapped
A 16-mile stretch of the M6 has been shut following a lorry fire (Google Maps)17:33Joe Smith
Motorway closure affects over 16 miles of busy road
The clousre of the M6 coveres a stretch of the busy motorway over 16 miles in length. Drivers have been told to expect delays and congestion while the aftermath of the blaze is dealt with and diversions are in place. There is no estimated time of when the carriageway will reopen but National Highways has confirmed that the motorway will remain closed 'for some time' due to emergency resurfacing.
17:30Joe SmithStatement from officials on the fire
National Highways said: "The M6 northbound in Cumbria is closed between J36 Crooklands Interchange (South Lakes, Kendal, Barrow A590 (A591); Kirkby Lonsdale, Skipton A65) and J39 Shap Interchange (Shap A6).
"Traffic is now able to re-join the M6 at J38, although the official diversion route brings traffic back on at J39. "This is due to an overturned lorry which had caught fire. "Recovery work, resurfacing work and barrier repairs are still ongoing.
There is no estimated time of when the carriageway will reopen."
17:28Joe SmithLatest update from National Highways
The M6 northbound in Cumbria is closed between J36 Crooklands Interchange (South Lakes, Kendal, Barrow A590 (A591); Kirkby Lonsdale, Skipton A65) and J39 Shap Interchange (Shap A6). Traffic is now able to re-join the M6 at J38, although the official diversion route brings traffic back on at J39. This is due to an overturned lorry which had caught fire.
Recovery work, resurfacing work and barrier repairs are still ongoing.
There is no estimated time of when the carriageway will reopen.
17:23Joe SmithRepairs ongoing as Highways officials are on the scene
Staff from National Highways are on the scene with recovery work, resurfacing work and barrier repairs still underway, the agency said.