M6 reopens following lorry crash near Junction 31A

The scene on the M6 at Junction 31A Pic: Edward Clarke

Motorists travelling along the M6 were delayed following a major crash on Tuesday (31 July).

The busy stretch of motorway was closed between junctions 31A and 32 for around 12 hours.

A collision took place involving a HGV has overturned and debris is scattered along the motorway.

An air ambulance also attended.

Highways England (North West) initially updated the public via Twitter. It said: “The M6 is blocked northbound between J31A and J32. There has been a collision involving a HGV which has overturned. Air ambulance is in attendance. Please be patient we’ll get you moving again as soon as we can.”

The emergency services response to the M6 crash Pic: Edmund Clarke — The emergency services response to the M6 crash Pic: Edward Clarke

A further update was delivered when the motorway was closed. It said: “The M6 is now closed northbound between J31A and J32 due to a collision and overturned lorry.”

The M6 southbound fully reopened at Junction 32 around 10.45pm on Tuesday and emergency services worked through the night to reopen the northbound carriageway from Junction 31A to Junction 32 around 5am on Wednesday (1 August).

Good progress being made to recover the overturned HGV on the #M6 #Lancashire. The HGV is now righted and on the recovery vehicle. Spilt load being dealt with. Remains closed northbound J31 – J32. Diversion – https://t.co/GZ8IS46plE pic.twitter.com/bAEf3lU1wv

— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) July 31, 2018

Diversion routes quickly became congested with motorists reporting delays of up to three hours using the A6 and Eastway to try and get round the closure.

For further updates on Preston traffic and travel, join the Facebook group.