Police have said that the M6 could remain closed in both directions for most of today (Sunday 2nd July) between junctions 31 and 32 after a tanker spilled 20,000 litres of milk. Diversions routes are in place. Police this afternoon confirmed that the motorway surface still needs to be treated as it is ‘extremely slippery and unsafe to be driven on’.
This afternoon there are reports of congestion to J29 of the M6 and J9 of the M61 going North where they meet the M65. Going South it isn’t moving for 8 miles. Most of Preston is totally gridlocked. The A6 past Broughton and Garstang is barely moving and the M55 is solid from J3 to J1 where it’s closed. The M55 eastbound has also been closed between J3 (Kirkham) and the M6 due to the impact on traffic.
This morning the milk tanker travelling Northbound collided with the central reservation, then entered the Southbound carriageway before overturning on to its side across the carriageway between junctions 31 and 32. A man and woman, the driver and passenger, were treated at the scene and have been taken to hospital for treatment.
Chief Inspector Patrick Worden, of Lancashire Police, said: ‘At this time we expect the motorway to be closed for some if not most of the day. The tanker needs to be recovered and due to the large-scale milk and diesel spillage, the motorway surface treated appropriately. We expect this to cause significant delays and I would advise motorists to make plans for alternate routes. We will update you with more information as and when appropriate.’
In a later statement he confirmed, ‘We can’t put a timeframe on reopening the carriageway and I would continue to ask people to plan ahead and take alternative routes where possible. We will update you in due course.’
