A section of the M6 remains closed in both directions this morning following a serious collision which resulted in a vehicle fire between Haydock and Ashton-in-Makerfield.
The incident happened on Sunday evening, October 18, and has caused significant disruption for motorists travelling through the area.
National Highways confirmed the motorway was closed between Junction 23 at Haydock and Junction 24 at Ashton-in-Makerfield after the collision between a lorry and a van and subsequent fire.
Emergency services, including Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Motorway Police Group, attended the scene. National Highways Traffic Officers have also been involved in managing traffic and assisting with the closure.
The northbound carriageway remains closed while the recovery operation is completed. National Highways has confirmed that resurfacing will be required once recovery work is finished, indicating damage to the road surface.
The southbound carriageway is expected to reopen shortly, although motorists should continue to check for the latest information before setting off.
There is no confirmed time for the northbound carriageway to reopen, with recovery work and resurfacing still required.
Diversions
National Highways has advised motorists to follow the signed diversion routes.
Northbound traffic should leave the M6 at Junction 23, follow the A580 westbound and then the A58 eastbound before rejoining the motorway at Junction 24.
Southbound traffic should leave at Junction 24, follow the A58 westbound and then the A580 eastbound before rejoining the M6 at Junction 23.
Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, consider alternative routes and follow instructions from emergency services and traffic officers.
The latest updates are available HERE
Update 6: #M6 both directions in #Merseyside between J23 #Haydock & J24 #AshtonInMakerfield.
Road remains closed.
Resurfacing of the northbound will be required once recovery is complete. Southbound will be open soon.
Info: https://t.co/UmxiRgwTMc
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) October 19, 2026
