M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: All lanes on the M6 northbound between Junction 15 (Stoke) and Junction 16 (A500) have reopened following emergency resurfacing work after a fatal collision involving three lorries and a car. The northbound carriageway had remained closed for around 24 hours while police investigations, vehicle recovery and urgent road repairs were carried out.
M6 Traffic Update Today
The latest update is that the M6 northbound between Junction 15 and Junction 16 is fully open.
National Highways confirmed shortly before 5am on Tuesday, August 18, that emergency resurfacing work at the collision site had been completed and all lanes had reopened.
Drivers travelling through Staffordshire should nevertheless allow extra time and check live traffic conditions, as congestion can take time to clear after a prolonged motorway closure.
M6 Traffic Update Today: What Happened In Staffordshire?
A serious collision involving three lorries and a car occurred on the M6 northbound between Junctions 15 and 16 at around 4:10am on Monday, August 17.
Emergency services, including ambulances, attended the scene. The motorway was initially closed in both directions while police and emergency crews dealt with the incident.
The southbound carriageway reopened at around 8am on Monday, while the northbound side remained closed for the police investigation, recovery operation and subsequent resurfacing work.
M6 Traffic Update Today: What Caused The Delays?
The major delays were caused by the fatal collision and the resulting emergency response.
Once the vehicles involved had been recovered and the police investigation progressed, emergency resurfacing was required on the northbound carriageway.
The extended closure meant motorists faced disruption between M6 Junction 15 and Junction 16 for much of Monday and overnight into Tuesday.
M6 Traffic Update Today: Casualties & Injuries
The driver of the car sadly died at the scene.
According to Staffordshire Police, one HGV driver remained in hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening or life-changing. West Midlands Ambulance Service also said another HGV driver was taken to hospital after suffering potentially serious injuries.
The deceased man’s next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.
M6 Traffic Update Today: Affected Routes
The main affected section was:
- M6 northbound
- Between Junction 15 and Junction 16
- Junction 15: Stoke-on-Trent/Staffordshire area
- Junction 16: A500/Nantwich/Crewe connections
The A500 is an important connection between Stoke-on-Trent, the M6 Junctions 15 and 16 and Nantwich, making the affected stretch particularly important for local and long-distance traffic.
M6 Traffic Update Today: Junction Disruptions
The biggest disruption was around M6 Junction 15 and Junction 16, where northbound traffic was unable to use the motorway during the closure.
With all northbound lanes now reopened, the main restriction has been removed. However, drivers should remain alert for residual congestion and any temporary traffic management around the previously closed section.
M6 Traffic Update Today: Alternative Routes
During the closure, motorists travelling north were advised to consider alternative local routes around Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the A500 corridor, depending on their destination.
Now that the M6 northbound has reopened, drivers should generally return to the motorway rather than diverting through local roads unless live traffic information shows continuing congestion.
M6 Traffic Update Today: When Will It Reopen?
It has already reopened.
All lanes on the M6 northbound between Junction 15 and Junction 16 reopened just before 5am on Tuesday, August 18, after emergency resurfacing was completed.
The northbound closure had remained in place overnight following the fatal crash on Monday morning.
M6 Traffic Update Today: Traffic Advice For Drivers
Motorists travelling through the area should:
- Check live traffic information before starting their journey.
- Allow additional time if travelling through the Stoke-on-Trent area.
- Follow electronic motorway signs and speed restrictions.
- Avoid stopping on the motorway unless instructed to do so.
- Take extra care around the collision area.
- Do not use local diversion routes unnecessarily now that the M6 has reopened.
M6 Traffic Update Today: Latest Police Appeal
Staffordshire Police is appealing for witnesses and motorists who may have captured the collision on dashcam or CCTV footage.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 86 of August 17.
Staffordshire Police latest updates
M6 Traffic Update Today: Helpline Numbers
For information related to the police investigation, motorists with relevant footage or information can contact Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident 86 of August 17.
For immediate emergencies requiring police, ambulance or fire services, drivers should use 999.
Latest status: The M6 northbound between Junction 15 and Junction 16 is open, following emergency resurfacing after Monday’s fatal collision. Traffic conditions can change quickly, so motorists should check live updates before travelling.
