A MAJOR motorway was shut down in both directions after a huge lorry fire overnight.
Drivers have been warned of travel chaos on the M6 this morning as delays are expected to continue for hours.
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Emergency services responded to reports of the blaze at around 2.30am from junctions 22 at Winwick and 23 for the East Lancs Road.
The southbound carriageway reopened around an hour later, but the northbound carriageway remains shut.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “The M6 in Greater Manchester is closed northbound between J22 (Winwick) & J23 (Haydock Island) due a substantial lorry fire.
“Manchester Fire & Rescue, Greater Manchester Police and National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance..
“The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours due to the significance of the blaze and the high likelihood of carriageway repairs once the fire has been extinguished.”
There are several diversion routes in place and some traffic management measures.
Road users have been urged to follow the Solid Square diversion symbol on road signs.
Motorists have been advised to exit the M6 at J22.
At the A579A572 junction, drivers have been told to turn right onto the A572 northbound.
At the A572/B5207 junction turn left onto the B5207 northbound
Then at the B5207/A580 junction turn right onto the A580 westbound.
At the A580/M6 junction turn left onto the Gyratory and take the 4th exit to re-join the M6.
To help with traffic management for morning commuters, National Highways have closed the link roads from the M62 in both directions to the M6 northbound at J10.
Drivers wishing to join the M6 northbound from the M62 should join the M6 southbound and proceed to J21.
Exit and join the M6 north from this junction.
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