A collision between a car and a van caused lengthy delays on the M62 Eastbound at Birchwood, Warrington, with tailbacks stretching up to seven miles.
Traffic tailed back to the Croft interchange at junction 10, with one of three lanes closed and normal traffic conditions not anticipated until 20.30-20:45.
The collision happened on Wednesday afternoon between junction 11 at Birchwood and junction 12 at Eccles.