M6 Preston Traffic: A routine evening journey turned into a long wait for thousands of motorists after a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) broke down and leaked a large amount of fuel onto the M6 southbound near Preston. The incident happened at Junction 31 on Friday, leading to lane closures, heavy congestion, and emergency road repairs.
National Highways, police, and recovery crews responded to secure the area, while drivers faced delays of more than an hour as resurfacing work became necessary.
M6 Preston Traffic: What Happened?
Traffic came to a standstill on the M6 southbound near Junction 31 after a broken-down HGV spilt a substantial amount of fuel across the carriageway. Authorities immediately closed multiple lanes and the southbound entry slip road to protect motorists and allow emergency teams to assess the damage.
National Highways initially reported that two of the motorway’s three lanes were closed. Later, one lane remained shut while engineers prepared the road for repairs after confirming that the fuel had damaged the road surface.
M6 Preston Traffic Latest News: How Did the Fuel Spillage on the Motorway?
The fuel spill occurred after an HGV suffered a mechanical breakdown near Junction 31. Although officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the leak, the amount of fuel spilt was significant enough to contaminate the carriageway, making emergency resurfacing essential before the motorway could fully reopen. Fuel spills can soften asphalt, making it unsafe for traffic until damaged sections are repaired.
National Highways said, “2 lanes (of 3) are closed on #M6 southbound near #Preston within J31 due to a broken-down HGV which has suffered a substantial fuel spillage. The southbound entry slip road remains closed. Crews remain on scene. Delays of 60 mins and 7 miles of congestion on the approach.”
The agency later added, “Lane 1 on the main carriageway and the entry slip remain closed #M6 southbound near #Preston within J31 due to a broken-down HGV which has suffered a substantial fuel spillage. Resurfacing works will be required. Delays of 70 mins and 8 miles of congestion on the approach.”
M6 Preston Traffic: Emergency Services Respond
National Highways traffic officers and recovery teams quickly reached the site after the breakdown. Specialist crews secured the affected lanes, managed traffic, and began cleaning the fuel from the motorway before arranging resurfacing work.
Officials continued monitoring traffic conditions as congestion stretched for several miles.
M6 Preston Traffic: Casualties or Injuries
Authorities have not reported any injuries or casualties related to the broken-down HGV or the fuel spill. The incident has remained a traffic management and road maintenance operation.
M6 Preston Traffic: Closed Roads
The following restrictions remain in place:
- One southbound lane on the M6 near Junction 31 remains closed.
- The southbound entry slip road at Junction 31 remains closed.
- Earlier, two of the three southbound lanes were shut while emergency teams worked at the scene.
M6 Preston Traffic: Diversion Routes
Motorists travelling southbound should follow official diversion signs and consider leaving the motorway before Junction 31 if possible. Drivers should also monitor National Highways travel updates before beginning their journey, as delays may continue during resurfacing work.
M6 Preston Traffic: Alternative Routes
Drivers can reduce delays by using nearby A-roads around Preston where suitable, although local roads may also experience heavier-than-normal traffic because of diverted motorway vehicles. Authorities advise allowing additional travel time throughout the area.
M6 Preston Traffic: When Will the Traffic Reopen?
Officials have not announced a reopening time for all lanes. National Highways confirmed that resurfacing work is required before the motorway can safely return to normal operation. Restrictions will remain until engineers complete repairs and inspect the road surface.
M6 Preston Traffic: Helpline Numbers
Travellers seeking live traffic information can contact:
- National Highways Customer Contact Centre: 0300 123 5000
- Emergency: 999 (for emergencies only)
Motorists can also check live traffic updates through National Highways’ official channels before travelling.
M6 Preston Traffic: What Should Travellers Know?
Drivers using the M6 near Preston should expect long queues, slower journeys, and changing traffic conditions while repair work continues. Authorities recommend planning extra travel time, following official diversion signs, and avoiding the affected stretch where possible until all lanes reopen.
Traffic delays reached around 70 minutes, with congestion extending up to eight miles during the incident.
