UPDATED: A lorry fire on the M62 near Birchwood, Warrington, caused lengthy tailbacks during the rush hour period, with normal traffic conditions not expected until around 8.30 pm Monday evening.
The lorry fire was on the M62 Eastbound between junction 11 A574 Birchwood Way and junction 12 M60 (Eccles Interchange).
All traffic was temporarily held ashortly before 5pm with the motorway closed and congestion tailing to junction 10 (M6 Croft Interchange).
Fire engines from Birchwood, Penketh, Leigh and Irlam attended at the scene shortly after 4:30pm and found a large Morrisons HGV and trailer unit that was well alight on their arrival. It is understood the driver escaped unharmed.
The M62 carriageway was closed while the incident was dealt with and crews used three hose reels to extinguish the flames, which involved the cab and a trailer. They set up a shuttle at the incident to get water to the area and were detained for approximately one hour and 20 minutes.
National Highways reported that one lane of four had re-opened shortly after 5:30 pm, with three lanes remaining closed.
The incident resulted in extra traffic congestion on local roads, including the town centre.
UPDATE 7:30PM UPDATE: Lane 3 (of 4) has reopened past the scene on the #M62 eastbound J11 #Birchwood & J12 #M60 #Eccles
Lanes 1 & 2 currently remain closed for recovery and clear up. There is currently approx. 3.5 miles of congestion on approach adding at least 30 minutes to journey times.
The M62 this evening
#Cheshire #GreaterManchester please be aware the #M62 eastbound is currently closed between J11 #Birchwood & J12 #M60 #Eccles due to a vehicle fire. Delays are building on approach. Please allow extra journey time if travelling in the area this evening. pic.twitter.com/VXPSFgeCOJ
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) April 25, 2022
INCIDENT | The M62 Eastbound J11 (Birchwood) to J12 (Eccles) is currently closed while we deal with a lorry fire.
Please avoid the area if possible. pic.twitter.com/PwyjkaMSZa
— Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (@CheshireFire) April 25, 2022
