A major stretch of the M6 motorway has been forced to close following a serious crash this morning, with Lancashire Police warning drivers the busy route will be “closed for some time” as emergency services work to clear the road.
The northbound carriageway was shut between Junction 33 at Garstang and Junction 34 near Lancaster following the collision, causing massive disruption to Sunday traffic on one of Britain’s busiest motorways. Huge queues have formed as the road ground to a halt, with drivers warned to expect significant delays throughout the day.
Lancashire Police confirmed emergency services are responding to what they described as a “road traffic collision” requiring an extended closure whilst officers ensure the road is safe for reopening.
Police Issue Urgent Warning
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police released a statement on Facebook warning motorists about the severity of the situation. “We want to update you and let you know that M6 northbound is currently closed between junctions 33 and 34 due to a road traffic collision,” the statement read.
“We anticipate that the road will be closed for some time, whilst we make sure the road is safe. In the meantime, we’d recommend looking for an alternative route and driving carefully, leaving plenty of extra time to get to your destination.”
The force has not yet released details about the number of vehicles involved or whether there have been any casualties, though the extended closure suggests a serious incident requiring extensive investigation and clearance work.
Partial Reopening But Major Delays Continue
Whilst one lane has since been reopened to ease congestion, authorities have warned that severe delays are expected to continue throughout the day. The partial reopening is providing limited relief to the thousands of motorists caught in the tailbacks, which have been building since the crash occurred this morning.
Traffic monitoring services show congestion extending back several miles from the incident location, with knock-on effects being felt across the regional road network as drivers seek alternative routes through Lancashire.
Critical North-South Link
The M6 between Junctions 33 and 34 represents a crucial section of Britain’s longest motorway, connecting the North West with Scotland. Junction 33 serves Garstang and the surrounding rural areas, whilst Junction 34 provides access to Lancaster and is a key interchange for traffic heading to the Lake District and beyond.
This stretch of the motorway regularly carries heavy volumes of traffic, particularly at weekends when leisure travellers combine with commercial vehicles to create challenging driving conditions. The road passes through predominantly rural Lancashire countryside, with the nearest major trauma centre located at Royal Preston Hospital.
History of Serious Incidents
The M6 through Lancashire has witnessed numerous serious incidents over the years, with the combination of high speeds, heavy traffic volumes and variable weather conditions contributing to regular collisions. The motorway’s importance as a strategic route means that any closure causes significant regional disruption.
Emergency services in Lancashire maintain specialist resources for motorway incidents, including heavy rescue equipment and traffic officers trained in managing major road closures. The North West Ambulance Service and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service regularly train together for multi-vehicle incidents on this stretch of motorway.
Diversion Routes Under Pressure
With the main northbound route closed, diversion routes through local roads are coming under severe pressure. The A6, which runs parallel to the motorway through Garstang and Lancaster, is experiencing heavy congestion as motorway traffic seeks alternative routes north.
Local roads through villages including Galgate, Scotforth and Catterall are also seeing increased traffic volumes as drivers attempt to bypass the closure. Lancashire Police have advised motorists unfamiliar with the area to follow official diversion signs rather than relying solely on satellite navigation systems, which may direct traffic through unsuitable rural routes.
Impact on Regional Traffic
The closure is having widespread impacts across the North West’s road network. Southbound traffic on the M6 is also experiencing delays as drivers slow to observe the incident scene, whilst approach roads to both Junction 33 and Junction 34 are heavily congested.
The nearby M55, which connects to the M6 at Junction 32 just south of the incident, is also experiencing heavier than normal traffic as drivers attempt to find alternative routes. Preston, Blackpool and Lancaster are all reporting increased congestion as displaced traffic seeks ways around the closure.
Safety Concerns
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about motorway safety, particularly on older sections of the network. The M6 through Lancashire was constructed in the 1960s and whilst it has undergone various upgrades, some sections retain characteristics that can contribute to serious incidents when combined with modern traffic volumes and speeds.
Road safety campaigners have long called for additional safety measures on this stretch, including improved lighting, variable speed limits and enhanced emergency refuge areas. Today’s incident will likely reignite debates about motorway safety infrastructure.
Advice for Motorists
Lancashire Police have urged anyone planning to travel on the M6 northbound to delay their journey if possible or seek alternative routes. Those who must travel are advised to allow significant extra time and ensure their vehicles have sufficient fuel for extended delays.
Motorists caught in the queues are reminded to stay with their vehicles, keep seatbelts fastened whilst stationary on the motorway, and only use the hard shoulder in genuine emergencies. The police have also reminded drivers that it remains illegal to use mobile phones whilst driving, even in stationary traffic.
As emergency services continue their work at the scene, updates are expected throughout the day. Drivers are advised to monitor local traffic reports and official police social media channels for the latest information on when the motorway might fully reopen.
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