Motorists across Lancashire faced a major disruption overnight after a serious crash involving a lorry and two cars forced the closure of the M6 northbound between junctions 32 (M55) and 33 (Galgate). The incident, which occurred shortly before midnight on Sunday, February 15, 2026, led to significant delays, lengthy diversions, and a heavy emergency response that continued well into Monday morning.
According to reports from Blog Preston, emergency services were called to the scene just before midnight. The severity of the collision prompted authorities to close the M6 in both directions for several hours, as police, paramedics, firefighters, and National Highways traffic officers worked together to manage the aftermath. While the southbound carriageway was eventually reopened, lane 3 remained closed, and the northbound stretch stayed shut for accident investigation work.
“We want to let you know that the M6 is currently closed Northbound between Junctions 32 – 33 due to a serious road traffic collision (Southbound is now open),” a Lancashire Police spokesperson stated, as reported by multiple local outlets. “We anticipate that the road will be closed for some time whilst we assess the situation. In the meantime, we’d recommend looking for an alternative route and driving carefully, leaving plenty of extra time to get to your destination. We’ll keep tabs on what’s happening and update you here once the motorway is back open. As always, thank you for your patience and stay safe if you’re out and about today.”
The disruption was immediately apparent to drivers. LancsLive shared images from motorway cameras showing long queues and tailbacks stretching for miles northbound, while congestion was observed in the early hours of Monday as far back as junction 31 (Samlesbury). National Highways issued several updates throughout the night and morning, warning of at least 40 to 60-minute delays above normal travel time and up to six miles of congestion on the northbound approach.
Traffic was diverted via the A6 Garstang Road, with the official diversion route guiding vehicles through Broughton, Barton, Bilsborrow, and Garstang before rejoining the M6 at junction 33. The alternative route, however, quickly became overwhelmed, leading to severe delays not only on the A6 but also on roads feeding into the diversion. Traffic monitoring services like Inrix and AA Traffic News reported “severe delays and delays increasing” on both the M6 northbound and the A6 through the affected towns.
For motorists unfamiliar with the area or those caught off guard by the closure, the situation was especially challenging. National Highways advised, “Allow extra travel time if in the area,” and urged drivers to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol to navigate the detour. Eastbound traffic intending to join the M6 northbound from the M55 was similarly redirected, with clear but lengthy instructions provided to ensure safety and minimize confusion.
Local news sources, including The Star and Lancashire Post, documented the evolving situation through live blogs and social media updates. These reports highlighted the scale of the emergency response and the ongoing nature of the investigation. National Highways confirmed that collision investigation works were ongoing at the scene and initially estimated that the road would remain closed until at least 6am on Monday, February 16. As the morning progressed, the reopening time was pushed back, with some outlets reporting that the northbound carriageway might not open until around 1pm.
The incident not only snarled traffic but also underscored the vulnerability of major transport arteries in the face of serious accidents. The M6 is a critical north-south route through Lancashire, and closures of this magnitude have a ripple effect on surrounding communities and businesses. Local residents in Barton, Broughton, Bilsborrow, and Garstang experienced increased traffic volumes and delays as drivers sought alternative ways around the closure.
While the precise cause of the collision remained under investigation as of Monday afternoon, authorities emphasized the importance of patience and caution for all road users. The police spokesperson’s repeated advice to “drive carefully, leaving plenty of extra time to get to your destination” resonated with many travelers forced to adjust their plans. Emergency services were praised for their swift response and for keeping the public informed during a period of significant disruption.
This incident is a stark reminder of how quickly travel plans can be upended by unforeseen events. For commuters, commercial drivers, and families returning from weekend trips, the closure meant hours of additional travel and, in some cases, missed appointments or delayed deliveries. For local authorities and emergency responders, it was a test of coordination and communication—one that, according to the available reports, was met with professionalism and transparency.
As the day wore on, updates from National Highways and Lancashire Police continued to trickle in. By midday, hopes were high that the northbound carriageway would soon reopen, but officials cautioned that accident investigation work was meticulous and could not be rushed. “We’ll keep tabs on what’s happening and update you here once the motorway is back open,” the police reiterated—a commitment echoed by local news outlets providing live coverage.
The crash also reignited discussions about motorway safety, the importance of timely incident reporting, and the resilience of the region’s transport infrastructure. While the full details of the collision’s cause and any resulting injuries or fatalities had not been released as of press time, the community’s response was one of patience and understanding, bolstered by clear communication from authorities and the media.
For now, drivers in Lancashire are reminded to stay alert, heed diversion signs, and allow extra time for any journeys near the affected stretch of the M6. The hope is that, with the completion of the investigation and necessary repairs, normal traffic flow will resume and the region’s vital transport link will be restored without further incident.
As the northbound M6 prepares to reopen, the incident stands as a testament to the challenges—and the collective resilience—of a region brought together by adversity on its roads.