M6 partially reopens near Newton-le-Willows after crash
There is no estimated time for the road to reopen
Last updated 19th Oct 2026
The M6 has been closed in both directions between Newton-le-Willows and Ashton-in-Makerfield after a crash involving a vehicle fire, according to National Highways.
The closure was between junction 23 (Newton-le-Willows) and junction 24 (Ashton-in-Makerfield), on the Greater Manchester and Merseyside border.
National Highways said drivers should expect delays.
Emergency services including the North West Motorway Police Group and Mersey Fire were in attendance.
National Highways Traffic Officers were also at the scene to help with traffic management.
The southbound stretch of the motorway, between junctions 23 and 24, has been reopened, as of 08:15 this morning (19 October).
Northbound remains closed and will remain so throughout the morning for emergency resurfacing.
What happens next
National Highways said a police crash investigation is underway and is expected to continue for several more hours.
Once it is finished, recovery agents will remove the vehicles involved.
The road surface will then be assessed for any damage.
National Highways said there is currently no estimated time for the road to reopen.
Diversion routes
Drivers heading northbound are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on road signs.
They should leave the M6 at junction 23 and take the second exit at the roundabout onto the A580 heading west.
They should follow the A580 to the A580/A58 junction and turn right onto the A58 eastbound.
They should then continue on the A58 back to junction 24 and rejoin the M6 northbound.
Drivers heading southbound are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs.
They should leave the M6 at junction 24 and turn right onto the A58 heading west.
They should follow the A58 to the A58/A580 junction and turn left onto the A580 heading east.
They should then continue on the A580 back to junction 23 and take the third exit at the roundabout to rejoin the M6 southbound.
National Highways said anyone whose journey is affected should allow extra time, and may wish to re-route or delay their trip.
Updates are available from National Highways through its website, travel apps and regional X feed, @HighwaysNWEST.
Its 24-hour contact centre can be reached on 0300 123 5000.