The fire broke out at about 4am, causing a complete closure of the road in both directions from Muckley Corner to the M6 Toll at Wall Island.

The lorry was carrying a load of wood and Highways England said there had also been a fuel spillage on the road.

Diversion routes were in place but with a maximum height of 4.2m. Drivers of taller vehicles were urged to find alternative routes such as the M6 and M42 or the A38 and A50.

The southbound lane was reopened just before 10am but Highways England said the northbound lane would remain closed until the damaged road surface was repaired.