M55 and M6 reopen after multi-vehicle crash, one casualty taken to hospital

The crash happened on the eastbound link between M55 junction 1 (Preston, A6) and M6 junction 32 (Broughton Interchange) at around 9.45am.

The M55 eastbound remained blocked with stationary traffic held for nearly an hour as police, ambulance and fire crews attended the scene.

A man aged in his 50s has been taken to hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be serious.

A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of a multi-vehicle road traffic collision at 9.43am this morning.

"We’ve taken one male in his 50s to Royal Preston Hospital in an ambulance."

Delays in reopening the motorway were hindered by a 'significant spillage' at the scene of the crash, said Highways.

The agency had initially expected the incident to be cleared by 10.45am, before pushing it back to 11.45am. The motorway was fully reopened by 12pm.

A Highways spokesman said: "The M55 is closed eastbound between Junction 1 (Preston) and the M6 Junction 32.

"North West motorway police are in attendance.

"Delays are likely on approach to the closures, with additional journey times also expected on diversion routes."

The Highways team then added: "We appreciate traffic has been held within the M55 eastbound J1 (Preston, Garstang) to J32 Broughton Interchange (Broughton, M6) for some time due to a large spillage in the carriageway.

"We are working with police to get people moving again soon."

To help stop traffic joining the back of the stationary queue, traffic officers also temporarily closed the junction 3 eastbound entry slip road at Wesham Circle (Kirkham, A585).

The southbound M6 entry slip road at junction 32 (Broughton Interchange) was also closed, with motorists advised to join the southbound motorway at junction 31 instead (see full diversion details below).

These were the diversions

For northbound traffic

Exit the M55 at J1 and follow the hollow circle diversion symbol

- Take the 1st exit off the roundabout onto the A6 northbound

- Join the M6 at J33

For southbound traffic

Exit the M55 at J1 and follow the solid square diversion symbol

- Take the 3rd exit off the roundabout onto the A6 southbound

- At Moor park turn left onto the A5085 (Blackpool Road)

- At Fishwick take the 2nd exit off the roundabout onto the A59

- Join the M6 at J31

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