A major crash closed the M6 northbound causing gridlock in and around Preston during Saturday morning.
AdvertisementSix cars were involved in the collision which happened shortly before 9am.
One car was on fire when Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene between Junction 31A and Junction 32 – just before the M55 turn off.
The fire was put out and two people have been taken to hospital by ambulance.
Preston fire crews said all involved had minor injuries only.
Delays saw motorists stuck for more than two hours on the M6 and M61.
Highways England said at 12.16pm delays back to Junction 28 of the M6 were expected until mid-afternoon.
Preston’s main roads have become gridlocked as drivers come off the motorway and make their way through the city to reach the M6 northbound at Junction 32.
London Road and the A6 into the city centre saw long delays.
A spokesman for Highways England said: “The M6 northbound in Lancashire currently has long delays due to an incident between J31A and J32 near Preston which involved a vehicle fire following a collision.
“Whilst the vehicles involved are now contained to the hardshoulder with only lane one closed, the delays have arisen due to the road being blocked for some time whist the Fire and Rescue Service made the area safe and collision debris and vehicles were cleared from the carriageway.
“Due to the delays, M61 northbound traffic seeking to merge onto the M6 northbound is additionally affected by the resulting traffic queues which at this time extend rearward to J28 of the M6.
“Customers may wish to consider alternative routes and should allow extra time for their journeys. All lanes are now open.”