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M6 traffic LIVE: Chaos as major motorway to be shut for hours after 'police-led incident'
Reach Daily Express | January 16, 2026 7:40 PM CST

Drivers on the M6 are facing major delays after a police-led incident is expected to leave a stretch of the motorway closed for hours. The M6 has come at a standstill between junctions J23 and J26 this morning, January 16, due to what National Highways described as a "police-led incident". No information were immediately available on the nature of the incident.

A National Highways north west spokesperson posted on X: "#M6 is closed both ways btwn J23 (#Haydock) and J26 (#Orrell #M58 junction) due to a @gmptraffic led Incident on the M6 south btwn J25-J24 near #Ashton-in-Makerfield. Current info from scene indicates the M6 will remain closed for a number of hours. Updates to follow soon." On its website, the organisation added: "Due to the nature of the incident there is currently no estimation for when the road will be reopen. We currently believe the M6 will remain closed throughout the day. Emergency services including Greater Manchester Police are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene."

Drivers on the M6 are facing further issues near junction 21, at Woolston, where a crash prompted delays.

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