Drivers Face Hour-Long Delays On M6 Southbound After Accident

Chloe Fitzgerald

3 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

4.9

Share

Accident Details and Location

The accident occurred on the M6 Southbound between junctions 16 (Crewe) and 17 (Sandbach) at approximately 7:30 AM this morning. Initial reports suggest a multi-vehicle collision involving three cars and a lorry. Emergency services, including the police, ambulance service, and fire brigade, arrived on the scene at approximately 7:45 AM.

• Vehicles Involved: 3 cars, 1 lorry
• Reported Injuries: At least three people sustained minor injuries and were taken to the local hospital. Further details are pending.
• Road Closures/Restrictions: Two lanes were completely closed southbound, causing significant M6 traffic congestion and severe M6 southbound delays. One lane reopened around 9:30 AM but further M6 closures are possible as the recovery and investigation continue.

Impact on Traffic and Travel Times

The M6 accident resulted in hour-long delays for southbound traffic, with tailbacks stretching back for several miles towards junction 15. The M6 traffic conditions were extremely challenging for commuters and travelers, leading to numerous late arrivals at work and appointments. Traffic management authorities advised drivers to seek alternative routes.

• Alternative Routes: The A50 and A34 were suggested as possible diversions, though these routes also experienced increased traffic volume.
• Peak Congestion: The peak congestion period was between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Traffic gradually eased throughout the morning, though residual delays continued for several hours.
• Travel Time Impact: Travel time between junctions 15 and 17, normally around 15-20 minutes, increased to over an hour due to the M6 traffic conditions and M6 roadworks related to the incident cleanup.

Advice for Drivers

With ongoing M6 southbound delays, it's crucial for drivers to take precautions:

• Avoid the Affected Area: If possible, avoid traveling on the M6 Southbound between junctions 16 and 17. Use alternative routes like the A50 or A34.
• Check Live Traffic Updates: Before starting your journey, check live traffic updates using apps like Google Maps, Waze, or the Highways England website. Staying informed about M6 traffic updates is key.
• Safe Driving Practices: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, reduce your speed, and be aware of emergency vehicles. Patience and awareness are essential during M6 congestion.

Emergency Services Response and Cleanup

The emergency services responded swiftly to the M6 accident. Police officers managed traffic flow, paramedics treated the injured, and fire crews assisted with the scene. The cleanup operation involved removing the damaged vehicles and clearing debris from the motorway. This process significantly impacted M6 traffic flow and contributed to the extended M6 southbound delays. An investigation into the cause of the M6 incident is currently underway.

Conclusion

The multi-vehicle accident on the M6 Southbound between junctions 16 and 17 caused significant disruption, resulting in hour-long delays and extensive M6 southbound delays for motorists. The incident highlights the importance of checking M6 traffic updates before traveling and utilizing alternative routes when necessary. Remember to practice safe driving techniques, especially during periods of M6 congestion. Share this article to help inform others of the ongoing M6 Southbound delays and encourage safe driving practices. For the latest M6 traffic updates, continue to check Google Maps, Waze, or the Highways England website.