Major Travel Delays on M6 After Lorry Falls Off Thelwall Viaduct
An incident on the Thelwall Viaduct in Warrington has caused major travel disruptions on the M6, as a lorry crashed through the barriers and fell to the embankment below. The incident occurred on Monday night at around 7pm, prompting emergency services to respond to the scene.
The lorry, which fell almost 200ft from the busy road, was found overturned on the grass bank below the viaduct. Thankfully, rescuers were able to free the driver from the vehicle, and the driver was then transferred to the care of paramedics. Despite the significant fall, the driver is reported to have not sustained life-threatening injuries.
As a result of the incident, three lanes of the northbound carriageway on the M6 had to be closed due to damage to the barrier. This closure is expected to remain in place until the morning, leading to long queues on the northbound side of the motorway as of 10pm.
Cheshire Police have advised motorists to avoid the affected area and seek alternative routes while the cleanup and investigation continue. Police have also stated that one lane with a reduced speed limit will remain open for traffic flow.
The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service provided further details on the incident, mentioning that crews used technical rescue equipment to reach the casualty and that measures were taken to contain a diesel leak from the lorry’s fuel tanks. While lanes one and two have since been reopened, the overall impact on traffic is expected to persist.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance while driving on busy motorways. Authorities continue to work to ensure the safety of all road users and minimise disruptions caused by the accident on the Thelwall Viaduct.