M6 traffic latest: Two lanes closed and long delays after serious crash near Manchester
THE M6 has been partially shut down northbound following a serious "collision" which sparked travel chaos in the Manchester area during peak hour.
Motorists in the Manchester area faced fresh travel chaos as a serious accident forced officials to close down lanes three and four on the M6 northbound from J21 A57 Manchester Road (Woolston) to J21A M62 J10 (Croft Interchange). Congestion reached back to J20, on the M56 Lymm interchange.
Highways England wrote on Twitter: "#M6 northbound #j21a #croftinterchange lanes 3 and 4 closed for a collision #trafficofficers on scene dealing.
"Please approach with caution and obey the traffic signals."
But motorists slowing down to look on the opposite side of the road were also creating serious delays on the other side of the carriageway, affecting the traffic on the M56 on approach to the Lymm Interchange, according to the AA website.
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Traffic also slowed down southbound after traffic officers were forced to temporarily close down two lanes while "transferring animals into a recovery vehicle", Highways England explained.
They added: "There are delays of 50 mins northbound due to this incident and about 20 mins southbound.
"Traffic has been released southbound but two lanes remain closed northbound for ongoing vehicle recovery. Please allow extra time."
Shortly after 9am, Highways England informed motorists lanes three and four had been reopened.
They wrote on Twitter: "The vehicles have been recovered and all lanes running."
Motorists travelling southbound also faced misery on the j18 as a vehicle broke down on the carriageway.
Highways England said: "#m6 southbound #j18 entry slip #Holmeschapel lane 1 closure in place for live lane breakdown.
"Traffic officers en route to tow the vehicle to a place of safety."