M6 closure: Everything we know so far after pedestrian dies in collision linked to Leyland disruption
The M6 has now reopened northbound in Lancashire following a fatal motorway collision in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The motorway had been closed between junction 28 at Leyland and junction 30 at Bamber Bridge, with motorists urged to avoid the area and follow diversion routes.
Police have confirmed the closure was connected to a collision further south on the M6 in which a pedestrian died after being struck by several vehicles.
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National Highways has since confirmed the motorway has reopened following the conclusion of police investigation work, although drivers have been warned to allow extra time for journeys while delays clear.
Here is everything we know so far:
Fatal collision on the M6
Cheshire Police said officers were called at around 2.50am on Saturday, March 7 to reports of a serious collision on the M6 between junctions 21 and 21A near Warrington.
Officers attending the scene found that a pedestrian had been struck by several vehicles.
Sadly, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police quoting IML 2284032.
Closure first reported near Leyland
The closure further north between junction 28 (Leyland) and junction 30 (Bamber Bridge) was first reported at around 6am on Saturday morning.
Lancashire Police said the northbound carriageway had been closed due to an ongoing police incident and urged motorists to find alternative routes.
In a statement, the force said: “The M6 is currently closed northbound between junction 28 (Leyland) and junction 30 (Bamber Bridge) due to an ongoing police incident.
“We would encourage motorists to find alternative travel routes if they can do so.
“We know that this closure will cause some disruption but it is absolutely necessary, and we are working as quickly as we can to get the carriageway fully re-open. We will update you as soon as it is re-open.”
Traffic and disruption
Traffic monitoring service AA said the motorway was closed with stationary traffic in the area.
It reported that vehicles were trapped on the approach to junction 29 at Lostock Hall as a result of the closure.
Drivers travelling northbound were diverted off the motorway while the incident was dealt with.
Traffic also built on the M61 northbound, with congestion backing up to junction 8 (Chorley) as motorists attempted to join the M6.
Motorists were warned to expect delays across the wider motorway network while the closure remained in place.
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Motorway now reopened
National Highways said Cheshire Police requested assistance at 2.52am to implement motorway closures so officers could safely carry out their investigation.
Traffic officers maintained the closure points and managed vehicles caught within the affected sections of motorway.
National Highways has since confirmed the M6 northbound between junction 28 (Leyland) and junction 30 (Bamber Bridge) has reopened following the conclusion of police investigation work.
Drivers are still being advised to allow extra journey time while residual delays clear.