Emergency repair work along the northbound M6 near Lymm is likely to last into this afternoon (January 10).

Drivers are warned to expect severe congestion along local road networks, as well as on the motorway.

A serious lorry fire broke out at junction 20 near Lymm Services at about 7am, badly damaging sections of the road surface along a slip road.

The incident happened on the hard shoulder along the northbound entry slip road just before it joins the main northbound carriageway south of Thelwall Viaduct.

It had a knock-on effect across Cheshire, leading to congestion on other road networks and the M56.

Highways England is now preparing to carry out emergency resurfacing along sections of the hard shoulder and lanes in the slip road.

Lane one of the main northbound carriageway remains closed along with the entry slip road onto the northbound carriageway at junction 20.

A section of safety barrier and a lamp post have also been damaged in the fire and will need to be made safe.

Drivers thanked for patience

Highways England operations manager Darron Daulby said: “The fire was so severe with smoke blowing across the carriageway that at one point we had to close the northbound carriageway, a lane on the southbound carriageway and the link roads from the M56 at Lymm Interchange.

“We’d like to thank drivers across the area for their patience while the fire service dealt with the incident.

“Lymm interchange is now fully-open and all but one lane along the northbound carriageway has re-opened but there is likely to be severe congestion in the area, along the local road network as well as the motorway, throughout the morning and into this afternoon as we work to remove the vehicle and carry out these emergency repairs.”

The repair work was completed by about 4pm, when all closed lanes were reopened.

Highways England traffic officers from the outstations at Knutsford and Newton-le-Willows had been at the scene throughout the morning helping to manage traffic.

Colleagues at the North West Regional Control Centre at Newton-le-Willows and at the National Traffic Operations Centre near Birmingham have set electronic message signs across the local, regional and national motorway network to advise drivers of the incident.

While the emergency repairs are taking place, drivers are advised to delay journeys or seek an alternative route if they wish to avoid associated congestion.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "Delays remain on the road network across Cheshire and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible."

The force confirmed that no-one had been injured this morning.