A critical stretch of the M6 motorway remains closed this morning, sparking widespread traffic disruption for commuters and holidaymakers alike.
The closure, between Junction 28 (Leyland) and Junction 27 (Wigan), was enforced around 10pm last night following a “serious collision”, and as of this morning, the situation remains unchanged.
M6 Closure Causes Major Delays in Lancashire
Despite expectations that the motorway would reopen overnight, National Highways North West confirmed in an early morning update that both carriageways are still shut and significant diversions are in place.
In a 1am statement, officials said: “All traffic within the closures on the #M6 between J27 and J28 has now been released. The closures are expected to remain in place for several hours for police investigation work and clear up. Please allow extra time for your journey.”
As the Monday morning rush hour kicks in, traffic cameras show queues stretching for miles. Vehicles are now being funnelled through long and complex diversion routes, further straining local roads.
The M6 remains sealed off in both directions after a major incident overnight. Drivers face gridlock with delays stretching into the morning.
Emergency services are still on scene, and police are continuing their investigations. Expect significant travel disruption throughout the day.
Exact cause of crash is still unclear
Authorities have yet to reveal details of the incident, including how many vehicles were involved or whether there were any injuries or fatalities.
What is clear, however, is the severity of the disruption it’s causing across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
Current diversion routes are in place
To manage the chaos, two detailed diversions have been laid out by National Highways:
Southbound Diversion (Hollow Square Symbol)
- Exit M6 at J28
- Join B5256 eastbound
- Turn right onto A49 south
- Continue to B5248 Dawson Lane, then Central Avenue
- Head south to Euxton Lane and turn left
- Join B5252 south to A581 roundabout
- Third exit onto A581 westbound
- Turn left onto A49 south
- Right onto A5209 westbound
- Turn right on Crow Orchard Road to rejoin M6 at J27
Northbound Diversion (Hollow Diamond Symbol)
- Leave M6 at J27
- Take A5209 in Standish
- Left onto A49 north
- Second exit at A581 roundabout
- First exit at B5252 roundabout
- First exit again at Euxton Lane
- Right on Central Avenue north to Dawson Lane
- Right onto A49 north
- Left at B5256 westbound back to M6 J28
These detours are significantly lengthening journey times and causing spill-over congestion across smaller roads in the area.
Public urged to delay or reroute journeys
A National Highways spokesperson urged drivers to plan ahead: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
They also directed motorists to the National Highways traffic website and Twitter feed for ongoing updates, or to contact their 24/7 support line at 0300 123 5000.
What should motorists do now?
If you’re planning to travel in or around Lancashire and Wigan today:
- Check live traffic updates before setting off
- Allow significant extra travel time
- Consider alternate routes or delaying travel if possible
This developing story has already triggered widespread frustration among early commuters, with many expressing dismay on social media over the lack of clear updates overnight.
As police continue their investigation into the cause of the collision, the reopening of the M6 between Junctions 27 and 28 remains uncertain. Drivers are being advised to stay patient and stay informed.
