Overturned lorry closes M6 in Cumbria after collision
The closure is expected to be in place for several hours
Last updated 2nd Mar 2022
Motorists are being warned that a key motorway is closed this morning after a multi-vehicle crash has left a lorry overturned across the carriageway.
It happened at around 5.30am today (2nd March) involving a lorry and a van
It's closed northbound between J36 at Kirkby Lonsdale and J39 at Shap.
There was a small spillage of chlorine from one of the vehicles which has since been cleared by the fire service.
A diversion is in place while the road is closed for what's expected to be more than 3 hours as the crash has caused around 80m of damage to the safety barrier and once the lorry has been removed, the road surface needs to be examined.
In an update from Highways England at around 8.30am, the lorry was still fully laden and the load is expected to spill during the recovery process.
Cumbria Police, Fire and Ambulance service are attending.
The diversion route
Motorists are being advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on road signs to avoid the closure.
- Exit M6 at J36, take the A590 to Brettargh Holt junction
- Follow A591 to Plumgarths Roundabout, take the 3rd exit A5284 to Kendal
- At A6 Sandes Avenue, turn left
- Follow the A6 northbound towards Shap Toll Bar junction
- At the junction, turn right on to the B6261 and then turn left to rejoin the M6 at J39