M6 traffic updates after crash shuts M6 near Lake District ahead of Easter getaway

The crash near Tebay Services led to police closing the southbound carriageway from around 8am to 1.30pm between junctions 39 (Shap, Kendal) and 37 (Sedbergh).

Traffic was also briefly stopped on the northbound side to allow an air ambulance to land near the scene.

Motorists were diverted off the southbound M6 towards Kendal before rejoining the M6 at junction 36.

The closure led to long delays for those travelling south towards Lancashire for the Easter bank holiday weekend and significant delays continue on the stretch of motorway this afternoon.

National Highways confirmed at 1.30pm that Cumbria Police had completed its collision investigation work and the carriageway had reopened.

A spokesman for National Highways said: “This incident is now clear and the M6 in Cumbria is now OPEN southbound between J39 (Shap) and J37 (Kendal).

“Long delays remain in the area but should now start to ease. Thanks for your patience today.”

Cumbria Police have not released details on casualties at this stage.