The southbound carriageway of the M6 has reopened to traffic following a serious collision involving a van and a lorry that triggered a major vehicle fire. The incident forced the complete closure of a busy section of the motorway in both directions, causing significant disruption for commuters traveling through Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
According to Merseyside Police, the crash occurred at 10:00 p.m. BST on Sunday. The resulting impact sparked a vehicle fire, prompting a rapid response from emergency services, including Merseyside Fire and Rescue and police officers, who attended the scene to tackle the blaze and secure the area.
National Highways confirmed that the affected stretch runs between junction 23 in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, and junction 24 in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester. While emergency crews worked through the night to handle the wreckage and investigate the scene, motorists faced severe delays reaching up to an hour during the morning rush hour.
Current Status of Carriageways and Repairs
The southbound carriageway successfully reopened to motorists at approximately 7:30 a.m. following overnight police collision investigation work and safety checks. However, the northbound carriageway remained closed as emergency resurfacing work was required. Officials reported that the intense heat from the vehicle fire severely damaged the road surface, necessitating immediate repairs before the route could be safely cleared for public use.
National Highways established official diversion routes to direct stranded traffic away from the affected section. Drivers traveling through the area were urged to allow extra journey time and follow designated routes, such as the hollow diamond diversion via the A580 and A58, while recovery and repair operations continued.
Impact on Commuters and Travel Advice
The closure created substantial gridlock across local networks as vehicles were diverted off the motorway. Transport authorities continue to advise motorists to check live traffic updates before setting out on journeys across Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Drivers can monitor National Highways feeds or regional traffic reports for the latest information regarding the full clearance of the northbound carriageway and any lingering restrictions.
