The M6 is gridlocked after a milk tanker struck the central reservation, burst onto the southbound carriageway and flipped on its side spilling its load and diesel across the route. A man and woman, the driver and passenger, were rushed to hospital after the collision at about 7am on Sunday.
Motorists in both directions have been stopped between J32/M55 Broughton Interchange and J31 Salmesbury with emergency services at the scene.
Trapped traffic on both carriageways was being turned around with the closure expected to be in place for some time. National Highways expects the section to re-open at about 1.30pm.
Inrix, a traffic monitoring website, said: “M6 in both directions closed, stationary traffic due to accident, a milk tanker involved between J32 M55 (Broughton Interchange) and J31 A59 Preston New Road (Samlesbury).
“Tanker has gone over the central reservation. Trapped traffic on the SB carriageway is being turned around and allowed to exit via J31a SB entry slip. Trapped traffic on the NB carriageway is being turned around and allowed to exit via J31 NB entry slip.”
National Highways is advising road users to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs if heading southbound.
It proposes this route: Exit the M6 J32, Blackpool onto M55. Exit the M55 J1, Broughton, take the first roundabout exit A6 Preston.
At the A6/A6085 junction turn left (M6 south) and follow the A5085 to the A59 roundabout.
Take the first exit and follow the A59 to M61 J31, Tickle Trout. At the roundabout take the second exit. M6 south for Birmingham.
Motorists heading northbound have been advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs.
National Highways is recommending road users exit the M6 J31, Tickled Trout. Take the first roundabout exit, Preston A59. At the next roundabout take the second exit, Blackpool (A583).
At the A6 junction turn right (M6) (M55) and follow the A6 north to M55 J1 Broughton. Road users are then advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs if heading northbound.
Exit the M55 J1 (Broughton) and take the first exit at the roundabout A6 Garstang. Follow the A6 northbound through Broughton, Barton, Bilsborrow and Garstang to M6 J33 (Lancaster South). You can then re-join the M6 northbound.
