M6 in Staffordshire reopens with reduced speed limit after three-lorry crash

One of the three lorries involved in the collision on the M6. Credit: National Highways: West Midlands

The M6 Northbound in Staffordshire has reopened following an accident involving three lorries.

Motorists can now access the motorway between Junction 13 A449 (Stafford South) to Junction 14 A34 (Stafford North) after recovery work was carried out due to a fuel spill.

A reduced speed limit of 40mph is in place temporarily across all four lanes.

The northbound side of the motorway will be closed again this evening at 9pm between junctions 13 and junction 14 so resurfacing work can take place.

Teams have been working at the scene for most of the day to treat a large diesel spillage across all four lanes.

National Highways Duty Operations Manager, Melanie Beaumont said: “We’d like to thank motorists for their patience while we dealt with this incident this morning.

"The work at the scene of the incident was complex and the good news for drivers is that the road is back open for the evening commute.

"However, given the severity of the spillage we will need to resurface the road tonight across the affected lanes. Once this work is complete, we will reopen the motorway in time for the morning rush hour tomorrow with the temporary 40 mph speed limit lifted.”

Traffic will be diverted via the hollow diamond symbol through Stafford, and road users are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

There was congestion to Acton Trussell along the A449 heading into Stafford with diverting traffic. Credit: National Highways England - Motorway Traffic Cameras

One ambulance and two paramedic officers were sent to the scene in the early hours of this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service says a man was treated for potentially serious injuries and taken to hospital after the crash.

A spokesman said: “Upon arrival, crews found three lorries that had been in collision, all of which had suffered significant damage.

“The driver of one of the lorries, a man, was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“A second man was assessed and treated for minor injuries before being discharged at the scene whilst the third occupant of the vehicles did not wish to be assessed.”

Lanes 2, 3 and 4 have been treated using a high pressure cleaning method called hydro-blasting and will not require resurfacing.

Lane 1 will also be hydro-blasted and an assessment made on whether emergency resurfacing is required.

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