The M6 between J31 and J33 near Preston remains closed in both directions after a milk lorry crashed through the central reservation at 7am today.

Update: M6 re-opened in both directions at Preston after milk tanker crash chaos

National Highways North West advised there are delays of 120 minutes in both directions on the M6, M55 eastbound and M61 northbound. There is no estimate for re-opening the motorway.

There’s an extensive milk spillage across all lanes on the northbound carriageway and a diesel spillage on the southbound carriageway.

Recovery have righted the vehicle and are in the process of removing it from the scene.

Twitter users disputed the National Highways North West two-hour delay announcement.

@BrianONazareth said: “120 minutes? Been stuck on the M55 for almost 4 hours now, gone less than 4 miles.”

@MuttleyDeMutt said: “You guys are just lying to make it sound like less of a problem. My elderly mother drove into this at 10.30am and has been stuck now for 4.5hours. Why did you not close off at m61 at the m65 so people could reroute instead of getting trapped. Useless.”

Diversion routes

 Road users are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs if heading southbound 

• Exit the M6 J32, Blackpool onto M55
• Exit the M55 J1, Broughton, take the first roundabout exit A6 Preston
• At the A6/A6085 junction turn left (M6 south)
• Follow the A5085 to the A59 roundabout
• Take the first exit and follow the A59 to M61 J31, Tickle Trout
• At the roundabout take the second exit. M6 south, Birmingham

Road users are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs if heading northbound

• Exit the M6 J31, Tickle Trout
• Take the first roundabout exit, Preston A59
• At the next roundabout take the second exit, Blackpool (A583)
• At the A6 junction turn right (M6) (M55)
• Follow the A6 north to M55 J1 Broughton

Road users are then advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs if heading northbound

• Exit the M55 J1 (Broughton) and take the first exit at the roundabout A6 Garstang
• Follow the A6 northbound through Broughton, Barton, Bilsborrow and Garstang to M6 J33 (Lancaster South)
• Re-join the M6 northbound

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