Why is the M6 closed? Long delays for drivers in Lancashire - How long they’ll last for and what diversions are in place

As of 5pm on Saturday, National Highways were reporting delays of at least three hours southbound on the approach to junction 33 at Lancaster.

However some motorists were reporting being stuck in the queues for five or even six hours with concerns about access to water and cars running low on fuel.

The motorway is closed between junctions 33 and 32, for Broughton for “essential bridge safety and maintenance works”.

National Highways are working on renewing the waterproofing and surface on the bridges which carry the M6 over Whittingham Lane and Stubbins Lane, north of junction 32

How long will the M6 be closed?

It is the first of a series of weekend closures throughout September, with the stretch not set to reopen until 5am on Monday having shut at 9pm on Friday night.

The work will also be carried out on the weekends of September 16, 23 and 30, again closing from Friday night until Monday morning.

To carry out the bridge strike repair, two roads under each bridge, Whittingham Lane and Stubbins Lane will be closed from September 30 to October 3 .

What diversions are in place?

Southbound traffic will leave the motorway at junction 33, onto the A6 for 12 miles, then onto junction 1 of the M55, re-joining the M6 at junction 32.

What have motorists said?

@moriss_hannah on Twitter: “Been stuck on the #m6 for 6hr30 minutes now!”

@LiamPBromley: “Took a brisk FIVE hours to travel 3 miles to the A6 slip road for Garstang. Which bright spark decides to close the M6 on a Saturday, in late Summer??”

@Staci_elise: “1 mile from the junction we need to be off after 6 hours in this chaos. Let's see how much longer just to get off!!! Joined at j34 need to be of j33. What a shambles!!!”

What have National Highways said?

Project Manager Frank Jamieson said: “This essential work will protect the bridge joints and structure from salt and rainwater damage, reducing the need for emergency repairs in the future.

“We will also replace the central barrier on both bridges and repair beams under the bridge decks which have been damaged by vehicle strikes.”