Drivers warned of five mile queues near Manchester after M6 crash

Huge queues formed on the M6 approaching Greater Manchester following a crash this lunchtime. National Highways said there were five-mile queues between junctions 19 and 18 on the northbound carriageway, in Cheshire.

The delays were affecting drivers heading towards the A556 junction near Knutsford, for Manchester. Emergency services were at the scene. National Highways said the queues were taking 45 minutes to clear at their peak.

Traffic cameras showed heavy congestion on the northbound M6 near junction 18, at Middlewich. A spokesperson for National Highways North West posted on X (formerly Twitter): "2 lanes (of 4) are closed on the #M6 northbound between J18 #Middlewich and J19 #Northwich near @motoway #Knutsford services due to a collision.

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"North West Ambulance Service and #TrafficOfficers are at scene. Delays of 45 minutes and approx. 5 miles of congestion on approach."

A car and a lorry were involved in the crash, according to Inrix. All lanes have now reopened. North West Ambulance Service has been approached for comment.

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Congestion has now eased on the M6.

This is the latest image from the M6 northbound, approaching junction 18.

Much of the traffic has now eased between junctions 19 and 18 - but there are delays approaching each of the two junctions.

A car and a lorry were involved in the crash, according to the Inrix traffic monitoring system.

Queues remain in the area.

National Highways says queues remain approaching Knutsford