A serious overnight crash has brought a major stretch of the M6 motorway in Lancashire to a standstill, causing widespread disruption for drivers travelling through Preston and beyond. Emergency services shut the motorway late Sunday night after two cars collided between Junction 32 and Junction 33.
The incident triggered full closures in both directions for several hours, with traffic queues building quickly. Although the southbound carriageway has now reopened, the northbound side remains closed for further investigation work.
M6 Lancashire: What Happened on the M6 Near Preston?
Emergency services were called to the M6 between J32 (M55 interchange) and J33 (Galgate) at around 11.20 pm on Sunday, February 15. The closure was first reported at approximately 11.40 pm.
The crash involved two cars and required a large emergency response. Police, paramedics, firefighters and National Highways traffic officers attended the scene.
For around six hours, officials closed both carriageways to allow emergency crews to carry out life-saving work and manage the situation safely. Motorists caught within the affected stretch faced long delays as traffic came to a complete halt.
A spokesperson for National Highways said:
“The M6 in Lancashire is closed northbound between J32 (M55) and J33 (Galgate) due to a serious collision involving two cars. Emergency services are in attendance. Thanks for your patience if you’re caught within the closure.”
M6 Lancashire: How the Crash Happened?
Authorities have confirmed that two vehicles were involved in what has been described as a “serious” collision. However, officials have not yet released details about how the accident occurred or whether anyone suffered injuries.
Traffic data company Inrix reported:
“M6 Northbound closed due to serious accident, two cars involved from J32 M55 (Broughton Interchange) to J33 A6 Preston Lancaster Road (Lancaster South / Garstang).” Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash while recovery work takes place.
M6 Lancashire: Where is the M6 Closed in Lancashire?
The northbound carriageway remains shut between Junction 32 and Junction 33. This section connects the M55 interchange at Broughton to the A6 near Galgate, south of Lancaster.
Earlier, both directions were closed, but as of 7 am, National Highways confirmed that the southbound carriageway has reopened. However, lane 3 southbound remains closed.
Northbound traffic is expected to remain held until around 10 am while further investigation work continues.
M6 Lancashire: Diversion Routes – How to Avoid the Closure
Diversions are in place for M6 and M55 traffic.
M6 Northbound Diversion (Hollow Circle Symbol):
- Exit M6 at J32 onto M55
- Follow M55 to J1
- Exit at J1 and take the third exit onto the A6
- Follow the A6 through Broughton, Barton, Bilsborrow and Garstang
- Rejoin the M6 at J33
M55 Eastbound Traffic Joining M6 North:
- Exit M55 eastbound at J1 (Broughton)
- Take the first exit at the roundabout onto the A6 northbound
- Follow the A6 through Broughton, Barton, Bilsborrow and Garstang
- Rejoin M6 northbound at J33
M6 Southbound Diversion (Hollow Diamond Symbol):
- Exit M6 at J33 (Lancaster South)
- Take the first exit at the roundabout onto A6 Garstang, Blackpool, Fleetwood
- Follow A6 southbound through Garstang, Bilsborrow, Barton and Broughton
- Join M55 at J1
- Take the first roundabout exit for Birmingham M6
- Follow M55 to rejoin M6 at J32 heading south toward Manchester
M6 Lancashire: How Long Will the M6 Stay Closed?
National Highways warned of significant disruption. In an update posted on X at 7 am, the agency said, “Please be aware there are long delays north with at least 40 min delays above normal travel time & 4 miles of congestion.
Allow extra travel time if in the area.” Drivers should expect at least 40-minute delays above normal journey times, with congestion stretching up to four miles.
M6 Lancashire: Traffic Chaos on the A6 & M55
The diversion has placed heavy pressure on the A6 Garstang Road, which is struggling to cope with the increased volume of vehicles. Severe delays have built up along the A-road through Barton and the surrounding areas.
There are also major delays near M6 Junction 32 for drivers attempting to join the M55. Traffic cameras showed queues snaking along the carriageway overnight, highlighting the scale of disruption.
M6 Lancashire: What the Public Should Know?
The M6 is one of the busiest motorways in the UK, and closures between Junction 32 and Junction 33 can quickly cause regional travel chaos.
- Motorists travelling through Lancashire should:
- Check traffic updates before setting off
- Allow extra time for journeys
- Follow official diversion signs
- Consider postponing non-essential travel
Authorities continue to investigate the crash and clear the scene. Until the northbound carriageway fully reopens, drivers should expect ongoing congestion and delays across the Preston area.
