MOTORISTS heading from East Lancashire onto the M6 face delays after a lorry hit an overhead bridge.

The collision has happened this morning on the M6 between Broughton and Galgate, closing the motorway in both directions between junctions 32 and junction 33.

Police said the motorway is going to remain shut for some considerable time.

There are currently delays of more than an hour on approach to the closure in both directions.

Commuters have been asked to avoid the area and consider delaying or postponing their journey if they can.

Police said the driver of the lorry has sustained no life threatening injuries but will remain in hospital overnight.

Officers have thanked motorists for their patience while engineers assess the safety of the bridge. 

Highways England tweeted: Update - The #M6 remains CLOSED in BOTH DIRECTIONS between J33 - J32. There are currently delays of over over 1 hour on approach to the closure in both directions. For diversion and further info visit - http://ow.ly/7pcp30l7N6Z