Overview: M6 crash disrupts northbound and southbound lanes near Wigan
Traffic on the M6 remains disrupted after a crash described as a four-vehicle incident, involving three cars and a van between junctions 26 (M58 Orrell Interchange) and 27 (Standish). The incident occurred on the northbound carriageway, with traffic stopped briefly as emergency services worked at the scene. Drivers faced significant queues as vehicles were slowed or stopped, and congestion has extended back past junction 25 toward Wigan.
According to the Inrix traffic monitoring service, lanes were blocked and then partially re-opened as the situation evolved. The latest updates indicate that traffic on the northbound side is moving again, though tailbacks persist. Southbound delays were also reported past the crash scene, according to Google traffic data, as drivers navigated the disruption in both directions.
What happened and where
The collision occurred on the M6 northbound between J26, near the M58 Orrell Interchange, and J27, near the A5209 Crow Orchard Road in Standish. Initial reports described two lanes blocked (lanes two and three) with queueing traffic as three cars and a van were involved. The incident prompted road restrictions to manage the flow of traffic and allow emergency services to operate safely at the scene.
There were also earlier reports of a separate collision on the M6 southbound closer to J27, which contributed to further delays for motorists traveling through this busy stretch of the network. As is common with multi-vehicle accidents, police and rescue crews typically manage the scene until it is safe, with lane closures gradually easing as the clearance progresses.
Current status and expected delays
Traffic is said to be moving again on the northbound carriageway, but congestion remains as vehicles recover from the disruption. The tailbacks toward Wigan may take time to clear, particularly during peak travel periods. Motorists should anticipate:
- Prolonged journey times on the M6 northbound between J26 and J27 and delays on the southbound side near the crash.
- Potential backlogs on nearby approaches, including the M58 interchange and surrounding routes into Wigan.
- Gaps in service and possible temporary speed reductions as traffic settles and emergency responders continue assessing the scene.
Travelers seeking real-time updates should check traffic data services and local advisories, as conditions can change quickly depending on clearance progress and any additional incidents on the network.
What to do if you’re affected
If you’re caught in the M6 disruption, consider the following tips to reduce stress and delays:
- Monitor live traffic feeds and radio updates for the latest status and alternate routes.
- Plan for potential detours via the M58 or other major routes if congestion persists.
- Allow extra travel time and maintain safe following distances if you’re in stationary queues.
- When safe, follow directions from traffic control or emergency services and avoid stopping in live lanes.
If you’re interested in more up-to-the-minute information, you can join traffic and travel updates via our WhatsApp group for real-time alerts and community reports.
Looking ahead: long-term impact and recovery
Incidents like this often lead to lingering delays through peak hours as lanes and traffic patterns return to normal. Once emergency responders have cleared the scene, the focus shifts to clearing any debris, restoring full lane availability, and rebalancing traffic flow. Motorists should expect a gradual improvement over the next several hours, with the possibility of delays during the morning commute as drivers adjust to the new conditions.
Practical guidance for regular travelers
For people who regularly use the M6 corridor, it can be helpful to review alternate routes and time-of-day travel strategies during periods of disruption. Planning ahead and staying informed can minimize the impact of such crashes on daily routines, school runs, and commuting schedules.
Stay connected for the latest updates as authorities manage the scene and traffic patterns evolve.
