All traffic heading northbound on part of the M6 has been halted after a lorry fell from the side of Thelwall Viaduct near Warrington.
The incident occurred shortly before 7pm, with emergency services rescuing the driver from the scene, who is not believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.
Fire crews used technical equipment to lower themselves and reach the driver, before using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle.
In a statement, Cheshire Police said: “Officers have been dealing with a serious collision on the M6 northbound.
“Shortly after 6.50pm on Monday 30 September, police were called to reports of an incident on the M6 northbound at Thelwall Viaduct, between junction 20 and 21.
“Officers attended the scene and found a lorry had come off the carriageway and landed on the embankment below the bridge.
“The driver of the lorry is not believed to have suffered any life-threatening injuries.
“Three lanes remain closed on the northbound carriageway due to serious damage caused to the barrier. One lane will remain open with a reduced speed limit.
“These lane closures will remain in place for some time, and are expected to continue into the morning.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route during this time.”
The latest update from Inrix says: “M6 Northbound closed, stationary traffic due to serious accident, a lorry involved from J20 M56 J9 (Lymm Interchange) to J21 A57 Manchester Road (Woolston).”
Normal traffic levels are not expected to resume until around 11pm, with lanes closed due to “significant barrier damage”.
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