Drivers warned that M6 northbound in Cumbria to remain closed until evening (From St Helens Star)

Drivers warned that M6 northbound in Cumbria to remain closed until evening

3:46pm Monday 25th February 2013 in News

DRIVERS are being advised that the northbound M6 between junctions 35 at Carnforth and 36 for Kendal is likely to remain closed until early evening following this morning's serious accident (Monday 25 February).

Motorists are asked to check traffic conditions before setting on on journeys involving the northbound M6.

A number of vehicles were involved in a collision in traffic at around 8.15am near the Lancaster Canal bridge north of Burton-in-Kendal services. This has resulted in one death and several injuries.

Cumbria Police officers are still at the scene conducting an investigation into the incident. Most of the vehicles involved in the collision have now been removed from the area.

Highways Agency traffic officers and the police worked through the morning to free drivers stuck between junction 35 and the incident.

Highways Agency contractors opened a central reservation gate south of the incident and drivers were guided through the gate onto the southbound carriageway. Lane three of the northbound carriageway was also opened past the incident scene to help free the trapped traffic and by 11.45am all vehicles had been freed.

A diversion is in place from junction 35 with drivers being urged to follow the 'solid black triangle' - taking them via the A601(M) onto the northbound A6 through Milnthorpe and onto the eastbound A590 for junction 36.

Traffic along the diversion route is likely to be very heavy and drivers may wish to avoid the area and seek an alternative route or delay their journeys.

Drivers of lorries such as 'Tautliner' curtain-sided lorries over 16' high and 12' 3" wide feet are being reminded to use the A6070 route through Burton-in-Kendal instead of the A6 route through Milnthorpe. A weight restriction on the A6070 has been temporarily lifted.