Motorists caught in M6 traffic nightmare after emergency repairs forces motorway closures
MOTORISTS are being told to expect huge delays and long queues on the M6 after a bridge was forced to close due to safety issues.
Long delays are expected on the M6 tonight
Emergency repairs are being carried out on the Thelwall Viaduct following reports of a broken extension joint that required urgent repair.
Two lanes on the northbound carriageway have been closed, reducing traffic to just one lane and causing huge tailbacks.
Traffic police have warned the work is likely to go on until the late evening and the closure will remain in place until the repairs are completed.
Drivers are being urged to avoid the area if possible.
Cheshire Police's motorway unit tweeted a picture of the problem, saying: "Reason for todays problems on the M6.
"Plates that cover the expansion joint between Bridge and Road broke away.
Reason for todays problems on the M6. Plates that cover the expansion joint between Bridge and Road broke away. @NWmwaypolice @CPTaskforce pic.twitter.com/EGE8xUl9se
— Cheshire HGV Cops (@Cheshire_CVU) August 17, 2017
Wondering at what point my husband will eventually get home #3hoursandcounting #m6
— Jen (@mamabear0309) August 17, 2017
Traffic between junction 20 for Lymm Interchange and junction 21 for Woolston has come to a standstill.
Motorists caught up in the chaos have reported delays of up to four hours.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the scene and it was found that a number of grid plates had become loose and lifted out onto the road.
"Highways engineers are currently in attendance at the site and emergency roadworks are underway.
"A full closure is currently in place on the northbound carriageway from junction 19 at Knutsford while the roadworks take place the closure is expected to remain in place for several hours."
Cheshire Police has tweeted that the road 'may' reopen fully at about 10.30pm.