Overview of the Incident
Motorists using the M6 are facing significant morning delays after a four-vehicle collision disrupted traffic near Wigan. The crash involved three cars and a van and occurred on the northbound carriageway between junction 26 (M58 Orrell Interchange) and junction 27 (Standish). The incident prompted an initial stoppage as emergency services attended the scene, followed by lane closures and orderly traffic re-routing as debris and vehicle recovery were arranged.
Current Traffic Situation
According to the latest updates from Inrix and Google Traffic, lanes two and three were blocked in the northbound direction shortly after the crash. Traffic has since been moving again, but queues remain long, tailing back past junction 25 for Wigan. The southbound carriageway also reports delays as vehicles slow to navigate the scene or look for alternative routes, reflecting the broader impact of the incident on the M6 corridor.
What We Know About the Timeline
Initial reports indicated two lanes were blocked due to the crash, with three cars and a van involved moving from J26 toward J27. The disruption prompted authorities to advise drivers to expect delays and to consider alternative routes where possible. As recovery work progressed, traffic began to flow again on the northbound side, though congestion persisted as vehicles queued and maneuvered through the area.
Impact on Northern M6 Routes
The M6 northbound stretch between Orrell and Standish is the primary trouble spot, but motorists on the M6 southbound near J27 have also encountered incidents and delays linked to the morning traffic issues. Drivers should anticipate slower speeds and potential secondary congestion as rubbernecking and reduced lane capacity complicate flow through this corridor.
Tips for Commuters and Travelers
- Check live traffic updates before departure and monitor both M6 northbound and southbound feeds for the most current conditions.
- If possible, consider alternative routes or travel times to avoid the affected stretch around J26–J27.
- Allow extra time for journeys, maintain safe following distances, and heed instructions from road officers and emergency responders at the scene.
- Sign up for real-time alerts through local traffic services or a trusted traffic app to stay informed about any changes in the situation.
Looking Ahead
As the site of the collision is cleared and vehicles are recovered, traffic may gradually improve. However, the history of the M6 in this area suggests that residual congestion could linger into the late morning as drivers adjust routes and schedules. Authorities will likely continue to monitor the scene for any further incidents or debris clearance issues that could affect lane availability.
Where to Get the Latest Updates
For ongoing updates, follow trusted traffic monitoring services such as Inrix and Google Traffic. Local news outlets and official road management accounts can also provide timely advisories and any changes to lane arrangements or closures. If you’re part of a Traffic and Travel WhatsApp group, you can stay directly informed about developing conditions and potential detours as they happen.
Note: This report reflects information available at the time of writing and is subject to change as the situation evolves. Always rely on live feeds for the most accurate and up-to-date traffic guidance.
