A lorry has caught fire on the A55.
Long delays are being reported in both directions after the wagon caught fire on the westbound carriageway of the road just after the Posthouse Roundabout.
A55 lorry fire sparks traffic chaos as billowing smoke shuts road
The A55 had to be closed in both directions after a lorry burst into flames.
Traffic update
Traffic is still extremely heavy around the affected area, especially northbound on the A483 and southbound (towards North Wales) on the A55.
Doesn’t look great for motorists heading out of Chester either.
Full lane closure expected
A full lane closure is expected on the southbound-carriageway within the next couple of hours so the lorry can be removed and the road assessed for damage.
Picture from the scene
This picture from our photographer Robert Parry Jones shows the extent of traffic problems earlier today
Remains of the lorry
The burnt out remains of the lorry remain on the scene at this moment.
Cheshire Fire Service comment
Cheshire Fire Service have just released the following comment.
A spokesman said:
Fire crews were called to the A55 westbound after a lorry caught fire.
On arrival crews found the lorry well alight and used two breathing apparatus and one main jet to tackle the fire.
During the incident both carriageways of the A55 were shut to traffic.Crews were at the scene for an hour and a half. “
Aftermath of the fire
Our photographer Robert Parry Jones has taken this video from the aftermath of the blaze.
Video of the blaze
This video taken by Victoria Bowyer shows the large blaze as it took hold.
Southbound delays
Traffic on the southbound-carriageway (North Wales direction) of the A55 is stretching back as far as Mickle Trafford at the moment. The area is best avoided for the foreseeable.
Traffic still very heavy
Traffic is still extremely heavy in the area, despite both carriageways having at least one lane open. The lorry is still awaiting recovery.
Traffic backing up through Chester
Traffic is at a stand still right into Chester city centre, with commuters coming out of work set to make the situation worse.
Motorists were out of cars
Motorists were out of their cars while trapped behind the burning lorry.
Fire extinguished
Cheshire Fire Service have said that the fire has now been extinguished.
Contrary to the previous statement about the eastbound carriageway being reopened, it appears the westbound carriageway is actually open and the eastbound remains closed.
Driver understood to be uninjured
Our sister paper the Chester Chronicle is reporting that the driver is understood to have been uninjured in the incident.
Eastbound carriageway back open
The eastbound carriageway has now re-opened.
The westbound carriageway remains closed to traffic.
Avoid the area
Traffic is building up very heavily in the area, as this sensor image shows.
Picture of the blaze
This picture from Twitter user Marc Lloyd Williams shows the lorry well ablaze.
Road shut in both directions
Cheshire Fire Service have urged motorists to avoid the area, and say the road is closed in both directions
Large fire
A lorry has set on fire on the A55 near Posthouse Roundabout.
The blaze is causing long delays for motorists in the area while the incident is dealt with.
Pictures from the scene show smoke pluming across both carriageways.