Morning journeys on the M6 turned difficult for thousands of motorists on Friday, August 7, after a crash near Preston forced traffic to stop in both directions and triggered queues stretching for around nine miles. The collision, which happened between Junction 30 for the M61 and Junction 31 for the A59 Preston New Road, damaged the central reservation and brought emergency crews to the Samlesbury Interchange.
Although traffic has now been released, one lane remains closed in each direction as repair work continues, with delays also affecting the M61 northbound.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: What Happened?
Drivers travelling around Preston faced major disruption on the M6 on Friday morning, August 7, after a crash near the Samlesbury Interchange forced authorities to temporarily stop traffic in both directions.
The incident happened between Junction 30 for the M61 and Junction 31 for the A59 Preston New Road. Emergency services attended the scene after a vehicle struck the central reservation barrier. Traffic was initially held on both carriageways while crews dealt with the incident and made the area safe.
Traffic has since been released, but the crash continues to affect journeys. One lane remains closed in each direction while emergency repairs are carried out to the central barrier.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: How Did the Incident Happen?
The exact circumstances surrounding the collision have not been fully confirmed. However, the crash caused damage to the central reservation barrier, prompting emergency repairs and temporary restrictions on the motorway.
According to traffic monitoring information, recovery work was concentrated on the southbound carriageway after the barrier was hit. The initial response required all lanes to close temporarily in both directions.
The disruption came during the morning rush hour, increasing its impact on commuters and long-distance travellers using the M6 and nearby M61.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: Delays Continue Across Multiple Routes
Although traffic has started moving again, significant congestion remains around the affected section.
At one stage, queues on the M6 stretched for around nine miles, with delays reported at approximately an hour on approaches to the incident. Traffic also built up on the M61 northbound as motorists encountered congestion around the junction.
The disruption has affected both directions of the M6, particularly between Junction 30 and Junction 31. Drivers approaching from surrounding routes should also expect slower journeys.
The M6-M61 interchange is an important connection for traffic travelling between Preston, Chorley and the wider North West, meaning an incident in this area can quickly create knock-on delays.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: Closed Roads & Lane Restrictions
All lanes on the affected section were initially stopped while police, National Highways and recovery teams attended the scene.
Traffic has now been released, but one lane remains closed in each direction to allow crews to repair the damaged central reservation barrier.
Drivers are therefore advised to approach the area carefully, follow temporary signs and avoid changing lanes unnecessarily near the incident.
The latest reports indicate that recovery and barrier repair work remains the main reason for the continuing restrictions.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: Diversion Routes
There is no single official diversion route confirmed for all M6 traffic because conditions can change as congestion clears.
Drivers who have not yet started their journeys should consider checking live traffic information before setting off and, where practical, avoiding the affected stretch between Junction 30 and Junction 31.
Local roads around Preston, Bamber Bridge and Samlesbury may also become busier as motorists attempt to avoid the motorway queues.
Motorists should not follow informal diversions onto unsuitable local roads simply to save a few minutes. Following official signs and live traffic instructions is the safer option.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: When Will Traffic Return to Normal?
The exact time when traffic will return to normal remains unclear.
The main carriageways have reopened, but the continuing lane closures mean congestion could take time to disappear. The situation will depend on how quickly crews complete the central reservation repairs and remove any remaining vehicles or debris.
National Highways provides live travel information and updates for England’s motorways and major A-roads.
Drivers planning to use the M6 through Preston should therefore check conditions immediately before travelling rather than relying on an earlier traffic update.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: Helpline Numbers
Drivers can contact National Highways on 0300 123 5000 for information about incidents and the strategic road network. Its customer contact centre operates 24 hours a day.
For an immediate emergency or if someone is in danger on the motorway, drivers should contact the emergency services.
National Highways also advises motorists to use its travel information services to check current conditions before and during their journeys.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today: What Should Travellers Know?
The key points for motorists this morning are:
- The crash occurred between M6 Junction 30 and Junction 31 near Preston.
- Traffic was temporarily stopped in both directions.
- The central reservation barrier was damaged in the collision.
- Traffic has since been released.
- One lane remains closed in each direction for repair work.
- Queues have reached around nine miles.
- Delays have also affected the M61 northbound.
- Drivers should allow extra time and check live traffic conditions before travelling.
