M6 traffic updates with FIVE MILES of queues heading towards Manchester after crash - latest

Drivers heading towards Manchester on the M6 are facing long delays this morning following a crash in the early hours. Three lanes of the motorway are currently closed northbound in Cheshire, between junctions 17 for Sandbach and 18 for Holmes Chapel and Middlewich.

National Highways first reported the crash shortly before 5.15am today (May 6). In a further tweet before 7.15am, a spokesperson for National Highways north west wrote: "Three lanes (of four) remain closed on the M6 northbound between J17 (Sandbach) and J18 (Middlewich) in Cheshire due to a collision.

"There is approx. five miles of congestion on approach, causing delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times." Congestion is tailing back to before Sandbach services, between junctions 16 and 17, according to the Inrix traffic monitoring service.

READ MORE: Trams suspended on Metrolink Bury and Rochdale lines as emergency works take place

Recovery work is currently ongoing following the earlier collision, Inrix says. Details about the nature of the crash are yet to be confirmed. Cheshire Police has been approached for comment.

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

There is now congestion through Arclid , Brereton Green and Holmes Chapel in Cheshire as traffic avoids the motorway, following the earlier crash.

Inrix says queues are now around 35 minutes, with traffic tailing back to Sandbach services.

All lanes have now reopened on the M6, but drivers are still facing long delays.

All lanes have now reopened on the #M6 northbound between J17 (#Sandbach) and J18 (#Middlewich) in #Cheshire. There is still approx. 3 miles of congestion on approach, causing delays of 30 minutes above usual journey times. pic.twitter.com/Kz2Y9Qkorx

Heavy traffic