LIVE M6 traffic as drivers told find 'alternative routes' amid motorway closure - updates

Drivers have been warned to avoid the M6 this evening following a crash, with multiple lanes closed.

Huge queues are building near J31 Preston as emergency services race to the scene, which police said is expected to be in place 'for some time'. The exact condition of those involved is not yet known.

Motorists havebeen advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible. National Highways maps show congestion stretching back to J29 as the agency warn of delays of 30 minutes due to the collision.

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In a tweet, Lancashire Police said: "We have closed lanes 3 and 4 of M6 Northbound due to a road traffic collision at Junction 31. We anticipate that the road will be closed for some time.

"We’d recommend looking for an alternative route We’ll update you here once the road is fully open again."

Lancashire Police has been contacted for more information.

The road has now repoened, although congestion remains.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said:

We let you know earlier that lanes 3 and 4 Northbound on M6 had closed at Junction 31 due to a road traffic collision. We can now let you know that the road is open for you to travel. Thank you again for your patience and drive safely on your onward journeys.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said:

We have closed lanes 3 and 4 of M6 Northbound due to a road traffic collision at Junction 31. We anticipate that the road will be closed for some time. We’d recommend looking for an alternative route We’ll update you here once the road is fully open again

There are currently two lanes closed on the northbound carriageway.

Motorists approaching the area,