M6 still closed after overturned HGV lorry caused so much damage the carriageways need resurfacing
The M6 remains closed in Staffordshire as workers are forced to resurface top of carriageways due damage caused by HGV lorry crash.
Just after 10pm on Friday a HGV struck the central barrier on the northbound carriageway before overturning and spilling a large amount of diesel onto the road.
Such is the extent of the damage before the road can be safely reopened the top layer of the tarmac on lanes 3 and 4 will need to be replaced on the northbound carriageway. When reopened there will need to be a temporary reduced speed limit of 40mph.
A full resurfacing operation across all four lanes of the northbound carriageway can then take place overnight tonight when traffic is at its lightest.
Lane four of the southbound carriageway will remain closed throughout today as that was also impacted by the diesel spill.
Dale Hipkiss, National Highways Duty Manager, said: “Our aim is to get the northbound M6 reopen to traffic as soon as it safe to do so. Removing the top layer of the road surface that has been significantly damaged by the diesel spill is the most effective way to do that and get traffic moving past that section at reduced speed.
“We can then carryout a full repair overnight when traffic is lighter causing less disruption to road users."
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Further updates, including the diversion route and when the northbound carriageway has been reopened, can be found by following the link to the Traffic Alerts section of the National Highways website.
NH posted: "The #M6 is CLOSED northbound between J14 (#Stafford) and J15 (#StokeOnTrent) due to a serious collision involving an overturned lorry. All emergency services are in attendance. Due to the nature of the incident, the road is likely to be closed for some time."
Motorists hoping to avoid the the congestion caused by M6 closure could find themselves in further tailbacks caused by the transport of an abnormal load this afternoon.
More updates to follow.
