POLICE are asking motorists to avoid the area after the M6 was closed in both directions near Warrington following a crash believed to involve three heavy lorries.
The motorway was closed between Junction 20 at Lymm and Junction 19 at Knutsford.
The crash was shortly before 1pm – and one of the lorries is believed to have overturned.
Traffic is being diverted onto the M56.
Six fire engines were in attendance – from Lymm, Warrington, Birchwood, Knutsford, Winsford and Greater Manchester.
Firefighters aremoved the contents of a trailer unit and absorbent pads were placed on the carriageway.
Officers provided water to those stuck in the queues.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “The M6 in Cheshire is currently closed in both direction following a serious collision near Knutsford.
“The collision is on the southbound carriageway, and as result of the incident the road is currently closed in both directions between junctions 19 at Knutsford and 20 at Lymm interchange.
“Local diversions are in place, but motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.
The M6 northbound has since re-opened.
⚠️ Serious Collision ⚠️
⛔ #M6 southbound #J20A (#LymmInterchange #M56 #NorthWales) to #J19 (#Northwich #Macclesfield #Knutsford #A556) is currently CLOSED due to a serious collision.
All Traffic is being diverted onto the #M56@NWmwaypolice @OfficialFGM @ManTraffic pic.twitter.com/8041MBVfb1
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) July 8, 2021
Emergency vehicles are still responding to the incident on the M6 between J20 & J19. if you are held in the queue please remain with your vehicle. Being on the opposite c/way or h/s is not safe for you & delays crucial equipment getting to the scene. pic.twitter.com/WMbae8uS9e
— North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) July 8, 2021
#M6 #J20 to #J19 Trapped traffic is being turned around and escorted back to J20 using the hardshoulder. pic.twitter.com/TdaSKjb1bz
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) July 8, 2021
