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Barrier repair works on the M6 following a major crash which gridlocked Preston for more than 18 hours have been completed.
National Highways North West said work had been finished as of 3.40pm on the stretch between Junction 31 and Junction 32 of the M6.
Traffic England is reporting some minor delays remaining on the stretch northbound.
Read more: New River Ribble bridge to ease Preston’s M6 congestion remains an ambition
Motorists reported being trapped for up to nine hours in queues as traffic was diverted off the M6 at Junction 31 and through Preston on an official diversion route.
The driver of the lorry involved was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
The crash took place at 12.57pm on Monday (10 March) and saw lane closures in place on both sides of the motorway.
The southbound closures were lifted within a few hours but the northbound stretched remained closed – leading to intense gridlock across Preston and the surrounding area, as well as the M55 and M61, as a result. The gridlock continued into Tuesday morning.
A statement from Lancashire Police has been issued during Tuesday afternoon in response to criticism on social media about the delays.
A police spokesperson said: “We know you will be aware of the significant disruption on the roads around Preston yesterday afternoon, last night and this morning, which was caused by a collision on the M6 and we want to let you know about the work done in order to reopen the motorway.
“We received a report at 12.57pm yesterday that an HGV travelling north had been in collision with the central reservation between junctions 31 and 32, near Preston.
“The driver of the HGV was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“Three lanes of the northbound carriageway of the M6 at Preston reopened this morning after being closed since the collision.
“We understand the disruption and frustration which the closure caused.
“The lengthy closure was needed to allow the HGV to be recovered and for emergency repair work to be carried out by National Highways engineers as a substantial diesel spillage from the HGV damaged an extensive area of the northbound carriageway and required resurfacing work.
“The damage to the central reservation needed to be repaired.
“The large volume of traffic which uses the M6 was diverted on to surrounding roads which caused lengthy delays across the Preston area, impacting also on the M61 and M65. Thank you for your patience.”
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