A serious crash has closed a major motorway causing more than six miles of queues and 40 minute delays.
Police and emergency services were sent to the incident, on the M6 between junction 32 for Preston and junction 33 for Galgate at around 4.30pm.
Posting on Twitter, Highways said: "The M6 northbound at junction 32 (Broughton interchange/Blackpool/Preston north) to junction 33 (Galgate/LancasterSouth/A6) is currently CLOSED due to a serious collision.
"Traffic officers, Lancs Road Police the ambulance service are currently at the scene."
The #M6 northbound #J32 (#BroughtonInterchange #Blackpool #PrestonNorth) to #J33 (#Galgate #LancasterSouth #A6) is currently CLOSED due to a serious collision. Traffic Officers @LancsRoadPolice & @NWAmbulance are currently at the scene.@CumbriaRdWatch
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) August 12, 2021
Traffic is backing up to junction 30, and the motorway north of junction 32 has been closed.
Motorists on the M55 are also affected.
It is not clear whether anyone has been injured in the crash but people are being asked to find alternative routes and avoid the area this evening.
The Highways spokesperson added: "Please be aware that delays are rapidly building on approach to this closure of the M6 northbound between J32 (M55) and J33 in Lancashire.
"There's now 40 minute delays, with over six miles of queuing traffic back to J30.
"Please allow extra time for your journey this evening."
Please be aware that delays are rapidly building on approach to this closure of the #M6 northbound between J32 (#M55) and J33 in #Lancashire.
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) August 12, 2021
There's now 40 minute delays, with over 6 miles of queuing traffic back to J30. Please allow extra time for your journey this evening. pic.twitter.com/hc3zddytBA
The road police said: "Due to an RTC there is a major road closure at J32-33 on the M6 northbound.
"Anyone on the M55 heading eastbound intending to go northbound on the M6 will also be affected.
"Please avoid and choose an alternative route where possible."
The full closure is expected to be in place for several hours with considerable delays in the area.
