England: Major M6 Motorway Closure in Staffordshire Following Serious Overnight Crash – Long Travel Delays Expected as Police Conduct Investigation

Published on February 28, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Motorists using the M6 southbound in Staffordshire are facing severe congestion as National Highways and Staffordshire Police continue their investigation into a major overnight crash. The incident occurred late Thursday night, prompting a “protracted police closure”, with officials confirming that the motorway is unlikely to reopen until the afternoon at the earliest.

National Highways has warned of long delays approaching the scene, with traffic conditions expected to remain affected until at least 3 PM on Friday. A lorry has been spotted stationary on the hard shoulder, surrounded by a green protective barrier, indicating the severity of the crash and the scale of the investigation underway.

Staffordshire Police have advised motorists to seek alternative routes, as the southbound carriageway will remain closed for several hours. This closure has caused major travel disruptions, particularly for commuters and logistics operators relying on this key motorway link between the North West and Midlands.

Police Investigation and Road Closure Details

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police confirmed the serious nature of the accident, stating:

“We are at the scene of a serious collision on the M6 southbound just before Junction 15. The road will be closed for a number of hours while an investigation takes place. Please use alternative routes.”

National Highways echoed this statement, adding:

“This is a protracted police closure and the carriageway will remain closed throughout the day for ongoing investigation work at the scene. Normal traffic conditions are not expected to return before 3 PM.”

What This Means for Motorists:

• Heavy traffic congestion expected in Staffordshire and surrounding areas.
• Commuters and commercial transport advised to find alternative routes.
• Delays of 30 minutes or more are already reported near the crash site.
• Police investigation work likely to extend throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

National Highways Diversion Routes – How to Avoid the M6 Closure

To minimize disruption, National Highways has issued a diversion route for drivers affected by the M6 closure.

Motorists should follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs:

• Exit the M6 southbound at J16 (Crewe).
• Take the A500 southbound (Queensway) and continue around Stoke-on-Trent.
• Rejoin the M6 southbound at J15 (Stoke-on-Trent).

This alternative route will help drivers bypass the affected area, though increased congestion on local roads is expected.

Impact on Local Traffic and Businesses

The M6 is one of the UK’s busiest motorways, connecting major cities and logistics hubs across the country. A prolonged closure of this scale significantly impacts travel, freight transportation, and local businesses reliant on the motorway for deliveries and commuting.

• Freight and logistics delays: Businesses using the M6 for supply chain movements will face disruptions, potentially affecting deliveries and retail operations.
• Commuter gridlock: With traffic being rerouted through the A500 and local roads, drivers may experience congestion on alternative routes through Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent, and surrounding areas.
• Public transport delays: Bus and coach services using the motorway may face extended travel times, particularly those connecting Manchester, Birmingham, and London.

Why Is This M6 Closure Taking So Long?

Serious road accidents require extensive police investigations, particularly when they involve fatalities, severe injuries, or hazardous materials. Forensic officers need time to collect evidence, analyze skid marks, vehicle positions, and road conditions before safely reopening the motorway.

A prolonged closure like this suggests that the incident may have involved multiple vehicles, serious injuries, or hazardous spillages requiring additional safety measures before traffic can resume.

What Happens Next?

• Police will continue forensic investigations at the crash site.
• National Highways will assess road damage and clear debris.
• Recovery teams will remove any affected vehicles once investigations conclude.
• Traffic updates will be provided regularly, with normal conditions expected by the afternoon.

How Motorists Can Stay Updated

For real-time updates on the M6 closure and traffic conditions, motorists can:

• Check National Highways live updates on their official website.
• Follow Staffordshire Police social media channels for alerts.
• Listen to local radio traffic bulletins for diversions and congestion reports.
• Use navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze to track real-time road closures.

Final Thoughts – Major Traffic Disruption Continues as M6 Remains Shut

The M6 southbound in Staffordshire remains closed following a serious overnight crash, causing major travel disruption between J16 (Crewe) and J15 (Stoke-on-Trent). With police investigations ongoing, the motorway is not expected to reopen before 3 PM, leaving commuters, freight operators, and local businesses facing significant delays.

Motorists are advised to follow the official diversion route via the A500, plan their journeys accordingly, and stay informed about traffic updates. The impact of this closure highlights the importance of road safety and the far-reaching consequences of major motorway accidents.