MOTORISTS are facing lengthy delays after a crash led to the closure of the M6 motorway in both directions near Warrington during the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, October 27).
The motorway is closed at junction 20, the Lymm Interchange, where the M6 meets the M56, causing significant disruption for drivers travelling in the area.
The incident was first reported at around 3.52 am, with emergency services attending the scene.
In an update issued at 5.40 am, National Highways said the M6 northbound was closed at junction 20 due to a collision.
The statement said: “Emergency services are on scene.”
Traffic was being diverted via the exit and entry slip roads, with National Highways reporting delays of around 20 minutes and three miles of congestion on the approach.
Southbound traffic was reported to be queuing back towards junction 21 at Croft, while northbound traffic was backed up towards junction 19 at Knutsford.
The disruption has also spread to the M62 towards Manchester.
CCTV images show lengthy queues of traffic in the area, with motorists advised to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes where possible with delays of around an hour and tailbacks of more than four miles.
Traffic already within the closure beyond the exit slip road was being released from the rear of the queue.
Junction 20 is a key interchange connecting the M6 with the M56, which provides routes towards North Wales, Runcorn and Ellesmere Port to the west, and Manchester Airport to the east.
The cause of the collision, whether anyone has been injured and how long the closures are expected to remain in place have not yet been confirmed.
Motorists are advised to check the latest traffic updates before setting off.
Update 2: The #M6 northbound and southbound remains closed at J20 #Warrington due to a collision.
Traffic within the closure which is past the exit slip is currently being released from the rear of the queue.
There are 30 minute delays and 4 miles of congestion on the approach. https://t.co/i4oKInVXI2
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) October 27, 2026
