Emergency services shut the M6 at Preston following a police chase involving speeds of up more than 100mph.
A man has been arrested following the incident at shortly before 2am on Saturday (29 July).
Lancashire Police said a car – thought to be stolen – was clocked doing 120mph by motorway cameras in Cumbria. As it travelled into Lancashire the police gave chase, and the car ended up going the wrong way down the motorway.
Police shut the M6 northbound between Junction 31 and 31A and moved in to apprehend the driver.
Read more: Police footage shows driver doing 105mph in the rain
The police helicopter from Barton circled overhead as officers pursued the man on foot.
A woman was left in the vehicle and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service had to cut her free from it – and she was taken to hospital to be assessed for her injuries.
The motorway was reopened around 4.30am on Saturday.