A MAJOR motorway is set to be closed in both directions for hours after a lorry crashed into a barrier – causing “severe delays”.
Thousands of drivers have been forced off the M62 as a result of the the accident, which happened at around 3am.
Contractors are currently cleaning up a “large diesel spillage” on junction nine after a lorry crashed into railings above the motorway.
It is understood the HGV started leaking fuel after hitting the barrier.
Emergency services rushed to the smash on the A49 Winwick Road in Warrington in the early hours of this morning.
Eastbound traffic is congested as far back as junction seven, while westbound queues have reached junction ten.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the area if possible.
National Highways confirmed that traffic was being diverted through slip roads on and off the motorway.
Writing on X, it said: “The M62 remains closed both ways within J9 for Warrington following a collision involving a HGV.
“Contractors on scene are working to clear a large diesel spillage on the carriageway.
“Traffic is being diverted via the entry and exit slip road.“
In a statement on the incident, Cheshire Police warned the road could be closed for “several hours”.
The force said: “Police were called to the incident on A49 Winwick Road at 3am this morning, Friday.
“It involved a lorry that had collided with the railings on the bridge over the M62 near junction 9, Winwick.
“As a result, the M62 was closed in both directions. It currently remains closed and is expected to for ‘several hours’.
“Diversions are in place up and over the junction and motorists are advised to avoid the area.”
