Commuters across Cheshire faced long delays this morning after a lorry overturned on the M6 motorway near Crewe, causing serious disruption to one of the UK’s busiest road networks. The accident, which took place between junctions 16 (Crewe) and 17 (Congleton), resulted in more than five miles of queuing traffic and delays estimated at up to 45 minutes.
The Incident and Immediate Response
Emergency services, including Cheshire Fire and Rescue, motorway police, and National Highways traffic officers, were immediately dispatched to the scene following reports of the overturned vehicle. While details of the exact cause remain under investigation, initial reports suggest the lorry lost control in the early morning hours, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. Paramedics treated the lorry driver for minor injuries at the scene, but the situation caused significant disruption for thousands of motorists. Several lanes were closed as crews worked to safely remove the vehicle and clear debris from the road.
Chaos for Commuters and Businesses
The M6 is a vital transport artery in the Midlands, linking Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and beyond. Disruption on this stretch has wide-reaching effects, not only for commuters but also for logistics firms transporting goods across the country.
Local drivers expressed their frustration on social media, with some reporting being stuck for over an hour. Delivery drivers and businesses dependent on timely shipments were particularly affected, with delays impacting supply chains across Cheshire and Staffordshire.
“It was bumper-to-bumper for miles,” one motorist said. “We barely moved for 30 minutes, and there was no clear diversion at first. It really puts into perspective how dependent we are on the M6.”
A Familiar Problem on the M6
This is not the first time the M6 has made headlines for disruption. The motorway is notorious for accidents and traffic jams, with its high volume of heavy goods vehicles often cited as a contributing factor. According to National Highways data, this stretch of the M6 experiences some of the highest levels of congestion in the country.
Road safety campaigners have repeatedly called for greater investment in road infrastructure and advanced warning systems to prevent accidents. Suggestions include better real-time traffic updates, speed regulation, and investment in smart motorway technologies.
Looking Ahead
National Highways confirmed that all lanes were eventually reopened later in the day, but the backlog of traffic continued into the afternoon. Officials urged drivers to plan alternative routes when possible and to remain patient in the face of such incidents.
“This was a serious disruption, but we are grateful that no lives were lost,” said a National Highways spokesperson. “Our teams worked as quickly as possible to ensure the road was cleared and made safe for drivers.”
The overturned lorry serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of transport infrastructure in the UK. As the government continues to debate funding for road improvements, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for investment in both safety and efficiency on key routes like the M6.
