M6 closed near Carnforth after lorry fire causes damage

Summarised from 3 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 14:26 · Archive

The M6 near Carnforth in Cumbria remains closed after a lorry fire started late on 13 November, with the cargo repeatedly reigniting.

The M6 southbound between junction 36 for Kirkby Lonsdale and junction 35 for Carnforth in Cumbria remains closed following a lorry fire that started at around 9.45pm on 13 November. Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service have been working at the scene to assist recovery agents to remove the vehicle from the carriageway.

The fire has been difficult to extinguish because the load keeps reigniting, delaying the recovery operation. At the height of the disruption, there were delays of nine minutes and increasing, with average speeds of around 10mph reported on the southbound approach.

National Highways and specialist contractors have advised that resurfacing works will be required on the affected stretch of road, although the full extent of the damage will not be known until the vehicle has been cleared from the carriageway. There is no estimated time for the reopening of the southbound carriageway.

A diversion route has been put in place for southbound traffic. Motorists are advised to exit the M6 at junction 36, join the A590 towards the Brettargh Holt roundabout, then continue on the A590 to the A6 junction at Milnthorpe. They should then follow the A6 north towards Lancaster before rejoining the M6 southbound at junction 35.

Traffic on the northbound carriageway through the affected area has been reported as moderate during the closure.

How it is being reported

• M6 closed for more than 12 hours after huge lorry fire causes major delaysMotorists facing delays of up to 50 minutes after an HGV blaze forced the closure of a busy stretch of the M6 between Cumbria and Lancashire, with emergency repairs needed.Chorley Guardian · 14 Nov, 14:00
• M6 closed after multi-vehicle collision caused two miles of congestionThe M6 was closed in both directions after a serious collision involving multiple vehicles.Lancashire Telegraph · 14 Nov, 13:26
• LIVE updates as M6 closed in both directions following 'serious collision'The M6 is closed in both directions in Greater Manchester following a 'serious collision.'Lancashire Telegraph · 14 Nov, 10:57
• M6 Southbound remains closed after lorry fire with 'no estimated time' for reopeningMotorists are being asked to plan ahead and find alternative routes after a lorry fire last nightLancsLive · 14 Nov, 09:50
• M6 remains closed near Carnforth this morning as lorry fire 'keeps reigniting'The M6 remains closed near Carnforth this morning following a lorry fire which started last night (November 13).Lancashire Telegraph · 14 Nov, 07:22
• M6 shut near Carnforth as firefighters tackle extensive lorry fireAn extensive lorry fire has closed the M6 southbound near Carnforth, with firefighters at the scene.Lancashire Telegraph · 13 Nov, 22:35

In this story: M6 · Carnforth · Kirkby Lonsdale · Cumbria · Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service · National Highways

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