The M6 has been closed northbound following a collision involving two lorries
The incident took place between junction 17, Sandbach, and junction 18, Middlewich, at around 5.30am this morning.
Highways England, motorway police and the North West Ambulance Service are at the scene.
Drivers will experience some congestion near junction 16 in Crewe.
The collision is affecting drivers heading away from Stoke towards Knutsford.
Key Events
All lanes now reopened
Good news - the carriageway is fully open again, so we’ll end our live updates here.
Lane closure and queues
One lane is still closed and there’s queueing traffic, with congestion on the M6 back to J16 A500 (Crewe / Stoke-on-trent) and on A534 Old Mill Road to A533 The Hill. Many surrounding routes remain congested and there’s an estimated 40-minute delay to get through.
Delays beginning to ease
One lane remains closed as recovery and repair work continues, but with two lanes no open the backlogs are beginning to clear a little.
Some delays are still expected for the next hour or two though, so factor that in if you’re planning your journey.
Lane 1 remains closed
Highways England have just given us this update:
Drivers using the northbound M6 through Cheshire are being advised the northbound carriageway between junction 17 at Sandbach and junction 18 at Holmes Chapel has now partially reopened following this morning’s collision between 2 lorries.
Lanes 2 and 3 of the northbound carriageway reopened shortly after 9.30am. Lane 1 remains closed for recovery of the 2 lorries and carriageway cleaning and inspection following a diesel fuel spill. The lorries collided at around 5.15am today (Friday 8 July).
Drivers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys while queues from the full closure clear.
Driver 'suffered serious leg injuries'
The North West Ambulance Service says it sent six vehicles to the scene of the crash. The driver hurt in the incident is said to have suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital.
Images of fire rescue operation
Here’s a statement from Cheshire Fire Service:
At 05.20 the Service was notified of a road traffic collision on the M6 northbound between junctions 17 and 18.
On arrival crews found the collision involved two lorries with one of the driver trapped.
After a complex rescue, firefighters managed to release the driver from the vehicle shortly after 7.15 am and the casualty was handed over to ambulance crews at the scene.
UPDATE: Two lanes reopened
North West Motorway Police say the northbound carriageway has now partly reopened.
Police confirm driver believed to be seriously hurt
Cheshire Police statement:
Police were called to an accident involving two HGV lorries on the M6 northbound at 5:20am this morning (8 July). A full closure has been put in place since 7am at junction 17 with diversions in place. One driver is believed to have serious injuries. Police would advise motorists to avoid the area.
Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: “Police accident investigators are working at the scene alongside Highways England. I would like to thank motorists for their patience while we work to reopen the motorway.”
'Severe delays, follow diversion'
A further update from Highways England:
Road users are advised that the M6 northbound in Cheshire is closed between J17 to J18 due to a serious collision involving two heavy goods vehicles.
Our Traffic Officers are working to assist Cheshire Police, North West Ambulance Service and Cheshire Fire Service who have been working at the scene.
There are severe delays approaching from J15 (Stoke-on-Trent).
Diversion Route: A signed diversion is available for northbound traffic exiting at J17 and joining the A534 towards Congleton. Then turn left to join the A50 northbound towards Holmes Chapel and then take the A54 westbound to re-join the M6 northbound at J18.
Please note that this diversion route has a low railway bridge (16’0” / 4.8m) on the route.
'Driver seriously injured'
An update from the Staffordshire Sentinel says that one driver has been seriously injured in the crash.
Hour delays
Drivers are being warned that the closure is causing delays of around one hour to anyone heading northbound.
Queues currently stretch all the way back on the M6 past J15 for Stoke.
There are also delays on the diversion routes including the A50, A5022 and A54 near Holmes Chapel.
Motorway still closed
Highways have confirmed the motorway is still closed northbound.
There is no indication as to when it will reopen yet.
M6 remains closed
Just to update you.
The M6 remains closed northbound between junctions 17 and 18.
It was closed following a serious crash involving two lorries at around 5.20am.
Drivers stuck in the queues are being asked to follow the solid black diamond.
This will take you via the A534, A50, A54 and then back onto the M6 at J18.
M6 to be closed northbound 'for considerable time'
Police have warned the motorway is likely to be closed over rush hour and have urged drivers to find an alternative route.
Mapped: diversion route
This is the diversion route drivers are being asked to take.
Head off the M6 at J17, go via the A534, A50, A54 and then back onto the M6 at J18.
Diversion route
Drivers stuck in the queues are being asked to follow the solid black diamond.
This will take you via the A534, A50, A54 and then back onto the M6 at J18.
Crash described as 'serious'
Highways England said the crash is ‘serious’ and that emergency services are currently at the scene.
Warning of queues in area
Polcie have warned drivers to expect queues.
Only two lanes were closed, but that has now been extended to the whole northbound carriageway.
M6 closed northbound
The M6 has been closed northbound following a collision involving two lorries
The incident took place between junction 17, Sandbach, and junction 18, Middlewich, at around 5.30am this morning.
Highways England, motorway police and the North West Ambulance Service are at the scene.
Drivers will experience some congestion near junction 16 in Crewe.
The collision is affecting drivers heading away from Stoke towards Knutsford.
