MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays on the M6 southbound after a lorry overturned near St Helens early this morning.

The HGV was left lying on its side on an embankment, between junctions 24 and 23, near Haydock.

The driver escaped with only slight injuries, police said.

Diversions are in place.

The M6 is closed southbound between J26 Orrell Interchange (M58) and J23 Haydock Island (A580) to enable a recovery operation for the lorry which has left the carriageway and come to rest in the nearside verge between junction 24 and junction 23 in St Helens.

Specialist teams are now on scene to recover the vehicle. This is likely to take some time due to the location the vehicle has come to rest, the Highways Agency said.

In a statement the Highways Agency added the road was initially closed between junction 24 and junction 23 however significant delays between J26 and J24 were caused by the closure

As a result, the closure has been extended between J26 and J23 to prevent delays increasing further.

This closure is also closing the southbound entry to the M6 at J25.

Diversion Route

Diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow square symbol.

  • Exit the M6 southbound at J26
  • At the roundabout take the first exit and cross over the M6
  • At the next roundabout take the second exit on to the M58 westbound
  • Exit at J3
  • At the roundabout take the first exit on to the A570 southbound
  • Remain on the A570 southbound to the junction with the A580 East Lancs Road
  • Turn left on the A580 eastbound
  • Exit at the Haydock Interchange with the M6 (J23)
  • Take the 4th exit to re-join the M6 southbound to continue onward journey

 

St Helens Star:

North West Motorway Police stated on Twitter earlier today: "We are currently dealing with an RTC on M6 sb between J24 and J23, one lucky driver with slight injuries."