M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): Commuters travelling on the M6 highway in Cheshire are facing major disruption on Thursday morning after overnight roadworks overran their scheduled finish time, forcing multiple lane closures during the morning rush hour.
The delays, which stretched for more than two hours with around 6 miles of congestion, were made worse by an earlier crash on the northbound carriageway. Although all lanes have since reopened, traffic remained slow as authorities worked to clear the backlog.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): What Happened?
Traffic problems began in the early hours of Thursday after overnight maintenance work on the southbound M6 failed to finish by the planned 6 a.m. deadline. The delayed roadworks forced the closure of three lanes between Junction 21A and Junction 21 (Croft Interchange), creating heavy congestion during one of the busiest travel periods of the day.
At the same time, an earlier collision on the northbound carriageway between Junction 20 and Junction 21 briefly blocked part of the motorway before emergency crews cleared the scene.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): Overnight Roadworks Trigger Major Delays
According to National Highways, lanes two, three and four of the southbound carriageway remained closed while crews removed traffic management installed for the overnight works.
In an update posted on X, National Highways said:
“The #M6 in #Cheshire southbound between J21A-J21 has lanes 2,3 and 4 (of 4) closed due to roadworks that have overrun their pre-agreed end time of 6 am. Lane closures are in the process of being removed.”
The extended maintenance caused significant disruption for thousands of morning commuters.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): Delays & Congestion
The lane closures resulted in delays of more than two hours, with congestion stretching for approximately six miles on the southbound carriageway.
Although National Highways later confirmed that all lanes had reopened, traffic continued to move slowly as the backlog cleared. Drivers were advised to expect longer-than-normal journey times throughout the morning.
National Highways also warned, “There are delays in excess of 120 minutes with 6 miles of congestion.”
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): Closed/Affected Roads
The worst disruption affected the M6 southbound between Junction 21A and Junction 21 (Croft Interchange) in Cheshire.
An earlier collision also briefly affected the northbound carriageway between Junction 20 (Lymm Interchange) and Junction 21, although that incident was later cleared and all lanes reopened.
Nearby connecting routes experienced heavier-than-normal traffic as drivers attempted to avoid the congestion.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): Diversion Routes
While no official diversion route was announced, drivers travelling through Cheshire were encouraged to leave extra time for their journeys and consider alternative local routes where practical.
Motorists travelling long distances were advised to monitor live traffic updates before setting off and avoid the affected section of the M6 if an alternative motorway or A-road was available.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): When Will Traffic Reopen?
National Highways confirmed that all lanes have now reopened after crews removed the traffic management installed for the overnight works.
However, authorities warned that traffic would take time to return to normal because of the long queues that built up during the morning rush hour. Journey times are expected to improve gradually as congestion eases.
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): Helpline Numbers
Drivers can check the latest traffic conditions and planned roadworks through National Highways before travelling.
Useful contacts include:
- National Highways Customer Contact Centre: 0300 123 5000
- Emergency: 999 (for accidents or immediate danger)
- National Highways Live Traffic Updates: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/
M6 Traffic Latest Update Today (July 9): What Should Drivers Know
Although the affected lanes have reopened, delays may continue until the remaining congestion clears. Drivers travelling through Cheshire should continue checking live traffic updates, allow extra travel time and remain alert for slow-moving traffic, especially during the morning and lunchtime periods.
Those planning longer journeys should review their route before departure to avoid any residual delays.
