M6 closed in both directions after lorry 'falls off' Thelwall Viaduct

Traffic is building on the northbound stretch of motorway

A serious crash has caused heavy traffic on the M6 this evening (Monday, September 30). Motorists have been asked to avoid a stretch of the motorway following reports that a lorry 'fell off' Thelwall Viaduct.

M6 northbound between junction 20 and 21 has experienced lane closures which will be in place "for some time," police have said. Traffic is also being held up in the Southbound direction. All traffic is currently stationary and National Highways has reported all emergency services are at the scene.

They added: "The M6 in Cheshire is closed northbound between J20 (Lymm/M56) and J21 (Warrington) due to a collision involving a lorry. All emergency services including North West Motorway Police Group, the North West Ambulance Service Trust and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are attending the scene.

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp

"National Highways Traffic Officers are also providing assistance with traffic management." Witnesses at the scene have reported seeing part of the crash barrier missing, Liverpool Echo reports.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said just before 8pm: "Please be aware that a number of lanes are closed on the M6 northbound Thelwall Viaduct between junction 20 and 21, due to a serious collision. The closures are expected to be in place for some time and motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes."

Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency

Child poverty is soaring in Birmingham and without urgent change, will only get worse. Having worked with charities and community groups, BirminghamLive is campaigning for the following changes to start to turn the tide:

1. End the two-child benefit cap
2. Provide free school meals to every child in poverty
3. Create a city “aid bank” for baby and child essentials
4. Protect children’s and youth services
5. Create permanent, multi year Household Support Fund and give more Discretionary Housing grants
6. Set up child health and wellbeing hubs in our most deprived neighbourhoods
7. Appoint a Birmingham child poverty tsar
8. Provide free public travel for young people

You can see why in more detail here.

Read our full report Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency here.

What you can do to help.