Traffic delays due to fallen tree between M6 junction 31 and A59 Preston New Road

UPDATE - 9.35am: The road has now reopened with one lane running past the scene, says Highways. The M6 slip road has reopened fully.

The tree reportedly fell down at around 5.45am near the Tile and Stone store on the eastbound A59 Preston New Road in Samlesbury.

The dual carriageway had been closed eastbound between the M6 roundabout at junction 31 (Samlesbury) and A677 (Five Barred Gate Service Station).

There was also a lane closure on the M6 Southbound exit slip to stop traffic wanting to turn left onto Preston New Road.

The closures had been affecting traffic using the dual carriageway to access the M6 southbound at junction 31, as well as traffic heading from the motorway towards Blackburn via the A59.

A police spokesman said: "Due to an ongoing incident there is road closure in place from the M6 Junction 31a slip road to Cuerdale Lane, Samlesbury. Please avoid the area whilst officers work to clear the scene. Thank You."

A spokesman for Highways added: "The A59 Preston New Road Eastbound is closed, heavy traffic due to fallen tree from M6 J31 (Samlesbury) to A677 (Five Barred Gate Service Station).

It said it expected the slip road to be reopened by 9am.

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