Drivers have been warned of "severe delays" on a major motorway, and emergency repairs are underway following a collision that caused a huge diesel spill.
The emergency has resulted in the M6 in Lancashire being closed northbound between J31 and J32 near Preston for barrier repairs.
The incident, which took place yesterday afternoon, caused a significant diesel spillage, resulting in resurfacing works being required throughout the night and into this morning.
National Highways said it expects delays to last approximately 120 minutes with congestion on approach and a diversion put in place.
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Drivers have been warned of delays up to 90-minutes this morning while repair works gets underway
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
National Highways shared: "We're now reporting delays of at least 90 minutes on approach to the M6 northbound closure between J31 (Preston) and J32 (M55).
"Barrier repairs remain ongoing at scene. We're working hard towards reopening lanes this morning once possible to do so. If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."
Drivers should follow the solid triangle diversion symbol and exit M6 J31 and at the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A59.
From here, they should take the next roundabout and then take the second exit onto the A583.At the A6 junction, drivers should turn right towards M6/M55. They should then follow the A6 northbound to M55 J1 (Broughton). At the roundabout, drivers should take the third exit and follow the M55 to rejoin the M6 at J32.
Lancashire Police shared on X: "Please be aware that the M6 Northbound carriageway (between Jct 31 and 32) is currently closed due to a road traffic collision. Please find an alternative route where possible. Many thanks."
The police detailed how they received a report of an HGV collision on the M6 between J31 and J32 at around 1pm yesterday. A spokesperson said a man was receiving treatment.
Updating drivers, National Highways warned drivers to expect heavy congestion and consider alternative routes with delays now more than two hours long.
The collision was caused by a HGV which struck the central reservation of the road resulting in a "large diesel spillage that is affecting all lanes of the carriageway".
National Highways shared that the M6 northbound has now reopened with lane four (of four) remaining closed in both directions to facilitate further barrier repairs.
There remains heavy congestion on approach northbound with the agency urging drivers to allow for extra journey time.
Lancashire Police shared: "Good Morning, we just wanted to update you regarding the M6. On the Northbound carriageway lanes one to three have now reopened.
"At this time lane four on both the Northbound and the Southbound remain closed at this time. Although the lanes are reopening there will still be heavy traffic for some time. If you can for now please avoid the M6 as there will be traffic."
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Despite some of the lanes reopening, drivers will still face up to 90-minutes of delays on approach.
