Drivers are being warned of long delays on the M6 this morning following a serious accident and necessary road repairs.
The M6 in Cheshire remains closed southbound between J19 (Knutsford) and J18 (Middlewich) after a collision in the early hours of the morning.
National Highways outlined that the collision investigation is complete and recovery has started, although long delays are continued to be present over the coming hours.
The recovery of the vehicle is expected to be "protracted" as the car is "down an embankment", with barrier repairs also being necessary.
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At present, traffic maps from National Highways show that the incident is expected to clear between 1.45pm and 2pm.
Traffic conditions are expected to return to normal at a similar time, although this could change depending on how long the recovery and repairs take.
Congestion is starting to build on nearby roads, including the M6 between J19 and J20a, where slow-moving traffic is now present.
Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service have all been in attendance at the incident.
Traffic has been closed on the M6 this morning following a serious collision
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that four fire engines from Lymm, Knutsford, Middlewich and Warrington were deployed.
A technical rescue unit from Knutsford was also sent to the incident, which was first reported shortly before 1am.
The spokesperson said a car had left the southbound carriageway and come to rest on the edge of a brook with the rear of the vehicle partially in the water.
They added: "Firefighters have now rescued a casualty from the vehicle and handed them over to the care of North West Ambulance Service.
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A large section of the M6 remains closed following the accident
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
"Technical rescue crews set up rope systems and committed a swift‑water technician into the brook to assess the casualty and stabilise the vehicle.
"The vehicle was secured using a winch to one of the fire engines. Firefighters are currently trying to make the vehicle safe for recovery."
One fire engine remains in attendance, while all other queues have left the scene of the accident.
National Highways has set out a diversion route for motorists to follow to avoid the delays.
Normal traffic conditions are not expected to return until around 2pm this afternoon
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Road users are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol:
- Leave the M6 southbound at J19 and at the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A556
- Follow the A556 to the A556/A530 roundabout and take the 1st exit onto the A530
- Continue on the A530 to the junction with the B5309 and turn left onto the B5309
- Proceed on the B5309 to the roundabout with the A54 and take the 1st exit onto the A54 heading east
- Follow the A54 back to the M6 J18 roundabout and take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M6 southbound to continue your journey