M6 diversions: Routes motorists are advised to take after motorway closure around Preston due to milk tanker spillage

The M6 reopened 12 hours after a milk tanker spillage shut the carriageway in both directions around Preston for most of Sunday.
Adam Lord
By Adam Lord
Published 2nd Jul 2023, 14:37 BST
Updated 2nd Jul 2023, 20:50 BST
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Motorists spent hours stuck in traffic after the incident just after 7am which saw the HGV collide with the central reservation and turn onto its side. A large quantity of milk, some 20,000 litres, and diesel spilled onto the carriageway, causing it to be closed between junctions 31 and 32. The male driver and female passenger were injured in the incident with their condition currently unknown.

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Diversions were put in place with motorists being encouraged to plan their journeys. Many people were heading to the final night of Lytham Festival with organisers issuing a warning to those attending.

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After the M6 northbound reopened just after 5pm, the southbound side and M55 followed at 7pm – some lane closures aside. Long tailbacks had to be cleared though with many motorists posting on social media that they had been stuck for the majority of the day.

Full diversion details after M6 Lancashire closure

Road users are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs if heading southbound

Exit the M6 J32, Blackpool onto M55. Exit the M55 J1, Broughton, take the first roundabout exit A6 Preston. At the A6/A6085 junction turn left (M6 south). Follow the A5085 to the A59 roundabout.. Take the first exit and follow the A59 to M61 J31, Tickle Trout. At the roundabout take the second exit. M6 south, Birmingham.

The milk tanker is righted on the M6 near Preston after the incident early this morningThe milk tanker is righted on the M6 near Preston after the incident early this morning
The milk tanker is righted on the M6 near Preston after the incident early this morning

Road users are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs if heading northbound

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Exit the M6 J31, Tickle Trout. Take the first roundabout exit, Preston A59. At the next roundabout take the second exit, Blackpool (A583). At the A6 junction turn right (M6) (M55). Follow the A6 north to M55 J1 Broughton.

Road users are then advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs if heading northbound

Exit the M55 J1 (Broughton) and take the first exit at the roundabout A6 Garstang. Follow the A6 northbound through Broughton, Barton, Bilsborrow and Garstang to M6 J33 (Lancaster South). Re-join the M6 northbound

Related topics:PrestonMotoristsM55HGVDiversionsBlackpool