M6 traffic latest: 6.5 mile queues as motorway CLOSED after lorry spills toxic liquid
THE M6 northbound between junctions 15 and 16 is closed after a HGV lorry lost its load earlier today.
Motorists are facing delays on the M6 northbound route between junction 15 (Stoke / Newcastle-under-Lyme) and junction 16 (Crewe) after the spill earlier this morning (February 7). Due to the incident, there is currently 6.5 miles of slow-moving traffic on approach and vehicles are being diverted up the A500 D-Road.
The incident took place at around 10.30am today (February 7).
Central Motorway Police Group advise that the Northbound carriageway is now closed and all traffic is exiting at Junction 15.
The southbound route is unaffected and remains fully open at this time.
In a statement at 12.35pm, National Highways advised the incident is causing delays of 45 mins above normal journey time for this time of day.
Normal traffic conditions are expected between 2.45pm and 3pm.
Access to the M6 via junction 15 is also affected, with conditions set to improve here between 1.45pm and 2pm.
Highways England said that the shed load of the HGV contained a corrosive liquid - an industrial pipe cleaner.
They advised that this needs to be made safe and treated before the carriageway can be reopened.
Emergency services including the Central Motorway Police Group are on scene.
READ MORE: Boris urged 'move quicker' as UK looks set to scrap BBC licence fee
Further to our last tweet. The lorry has lost its load of some nasty chemicals (URN 1210) and we are being lead by @StaffsFire and working alongside @HighwaysWMIDS we have a plan in place to reopen the carriageway but logistically this is going to take time.
— CMPG (@CMPG) February 7, 2022
National Highways are also in attendance to assist with traffic management.
Due to the carriageway closure, a diversion route is in place however traffic monitoring company Inrix now reports traffic is also building along this route.
Road users are advised to follow the hollow diamond symbol on road signs.
They are being asked to exit the M6 at J15 and join the A500 heading eastbound and follow for 12.5 miles through Stoke on Trent until the junction with the M6, junction 16.
DON'T MISS
Russia stockpiling 'hypersonic' cruise missile able to strike US sites [INSIGHT]
UK snow MAPPED: Britain to freeze as snow hits - is your area at risk? [MAP]
POLL: Do you think bid to oust Boris Johnson is a 'Remainer plot'? [POLL]
At the junction 16 roundabout motorists should take the fourth exit back onto the M6 northbound to continue their journey.
Those who may be impacted by the incident are being asked to allow extra time for their journey.