Motorists are facing delays of more than two hours, according to National Highways latest estimates.

By Sam Ormiston, Assistant News Editor

13:44, Wed, Apr 3, 2024 | UPDATED: 13:48, Wed, Apr 3, 2024

Motorists are facing travel chaos on the M6 southbound in Cheshire and surrounding areas this afternoon after a lorry overturned on the verge, sparking huge delays of more than two hours on one of the UK's busiest motorways.

An update on the National Highways reads: "Lanes 1 and 2 (of 3) is closed on the M6 southbound between J20 & J19 near Warrington to allow the recovery of an overturned lorry on the verge.

"There are long delays of at least 120 minutes above usual journey times between J22 and J19. Recovery is ongoing at scene but it is a protracted operation requiring substantial lifting equipment.

"If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

It is unknown whether there have been any injuries as a result of the incident.

Express.co.uk has contacted the emergency services for further information.

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National Highways is reporting delays of more than two hours

National Highways is reporting delays of more than two hours (Image: National Highways)

18 mins ago13:44 Sam Ormiston

Traffic cameras reveal complete gridlock on the M6

Traffic camera pictures reveal huge queues on the M6 this afternoon, after a lorry overturned near Warrington, Cheshire, on the southbound carriageway.

Several cameras along the route near Junction 19 shows motorists at a complete standstill. Delays of two hours are expected this afternoon.

M6 queues

Traffic cameras reveal huge queues on the M6 southbound carriageway (Image: Traffic Cameras UK)

M6 queues

Delays of around two hours are widely expected (Image: Traffic Cameras UK)

49 mins ago13:13 Sam Ormiston

Awaiting updates from emergency services

We are currently awaiting an update from the emergency services

Express.co.uk has contacted Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance Service for further information.

We will bring you their statements as soon as we receive them.

52 mins ago13:10 Sam Ormiston

Delays of 120 minutes between J22 and J19 - National Highways

National Highways has confirmed that motorists will face huge delays of around two hours between J19 and J22 on the M6 southbound this afternoon.

UPDATE#M6 southbound between J20 (#M56) and J19 (#A556) #Cheshire

LANE CLOSED

1 lane (of 3) remain closed for a lorry which partially overturned on to the nearside verge.

120 min delay to journeys between J22 and J19. pic.twitter.com/MiMCQKTVbW

\u2014 National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) April 3, 2024

55 mins ago13:07 Sam Ormiston

Welcome to our live coverage

Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of this breaking news incident.

The Express.co.uk team will be bringing you live updates after a section of the M6 has been closed due to a serious emergency services incident. We will bring you live updates as we receive them.

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