DRIVERS are facing five-mile queues and delays of an hour as part of the M6 in Cheshire remains closed this morning, February 17.

The southbound carriageway remains closed between junctions 17 for Sandbach and 16 for Crewe following two incidents yesterday afternoon.

The motorway had been closed from junction 18 at Middlewich and Holmes Chapel, but drivers can now travel down to junction 17, although they are warned to expect delays along the stretch.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “The original incident involved a tanker which struck a bridge causing a large tear in the side of it. This caused fuel to flow out of the tanker.

“The tanker was carrying 28,000 litres of fuel and it is estimated that at least 14,000 litres leaked out on to the carriageway.

“Environment Agency liaised with fire and rescue services and recovery has now been completed for the tanker. As a result of the spillage the carriageway remains closed for resurfacing.”

There was also a second collision yesterday between a van and a lorry, which led to all occupants being taken to hospital.

The M6 northbound was closed for a time yesterday afternoon to allow the air ambulance to land.

All trapped traffic was released on Tuesday evening.