A driver has tragically died following a collision on the M6 southbound in the early hours of this morning.
Diversions are in place at Junction 32 (Broughton) and 31 (Samlesbury) and the carraigeway has been shut all morning.
Access to the M6 from the M55 southbound is also restricted but the link road from the M55 to the M6 north carriageway is open.
In an update released at midday the Lancashire police said: "We were called at around 4.15am to reports a car had crashed on the slip road at junction 31. No other vehicles are thought to have been involved.
"The driver of the vehicle was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and we are still working to ensure their next of kin have all been informed, so understandably cannot say more at this time.
"We remain at the scene carrying out investigative work.
"Please avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible. We will update you when the motorway reopens."
There are long delays for anyone heading southbound on the M6 from Lancaster and the north and anyone heading on the M55 from Blackpool.
Earlier today National Highways said there were delays of up to an hour (as of 11am) for those on the M6 between the two affected junctions.
National Highways said: "Lancashire Police are at the scene and leading the incident.
"Expectations from the scene are that police will be conducting a collision investigation and the closure is expected to remain in place throughout the morning at least. "
The #M6 is closed southbound between J32 and J31 near #Preston following a serious collision. For more information, including the diversion route, please follow this link: https://t.co/oszhkj4m66 pic.twitter.com/MIFjrGJJqk
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) September 4, 2022
Road users are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbols on road signs.
Exit M6 J32, Blackpool, onto M55. Exit M55 J1.
Broughton, take first roundabout exit, A6 Preston. At the A6/A5085 junction turn left (M6 South). Follow the A5085 to the A59 roundabout.
Take the first exit and follow the A59 to M6 J31, Tickle Trout. At the first roundabout take the second exit, M6 South, Birmingham.
At the second roundabout take the second exit, M6, The South, Birmingham.
Here is an updated image of the traffic at around 11am this morning
The Brockholes Nature Reserve said it was closed to visitors.
📢 Visitor Notice 📢 Due to a police incident, the entrance to Brockholes is currently closed. We will remain closed to visitors until further notice. Open-air theatre should go ahead this evening as planned. pic.twitter.com/l44V0CnYjr
— Brockholes (@visitBrockholes) September 4, 2022
Blackpool fans travelling to Huddersfield today for the 3pm EFL game are being alerted to the traffic delays.
🛑 TRAFFIC UPDATE 🛑 M55 is currently still closed near the junction of the M6 and traffic is being diverted to come off at Preston! Hopefully it will have cleared up in the next hour or so by the time #seasiders set off but it might be worth giving yourselves some extra time! 🍊 pic.twitter.com/ygGPWCBrl8
— Seasiders Police (@SeasidersPolice) September 4, 2022
Update to follow
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel