M6 Drivers Face Long Delays Following Van Crash

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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A serious van crash on the M6 motorway has led to significant delays for drivers this afternoon. The incident, which occurred near junction 16, has resulted in miles of tailbacks and widespread disruption across the major motorway. This article provides updates on the situation, including traffic conditions, potential diversions, and advice for drivers affected by the incident.

Details of the M6 Van Crash

The collision, involving a delivery van and a car, occurred at approximately 2:30 PM today on the northbound carriageway of the M6 near junction 16. The severity of the crash led to immediate road closures and a significant emergency services response. West Midlands Ambulance Service, along with West Midlands Police and the fire service, attended the scene. Initial reports suggest that the cause of the accident may have been due to adverse weather conditions and reduced visibility, but investigations are ongoing. It’s crucial to await official statements regarding the cause of the accident.

• Time of accident: 2:30 PM
• Exact location: M6 Northbound, near Junction 16
• Vehicle types involved: Delivery van and car
• Number of casualties: Two individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
• Road closures: The northbound carriageway was fully closed initially, with one lane reopened around 4:00 PM.

Current Traffic Conditions and Delays on the M6

The M6 van crash has caused significant traffic disruption. At the time of writing, there are currently queues stretching back for over five miles on the northbound carriageway, causing delays of up to two hours. The closure of a significant portion of the M6 has resulted in congestion spilling onto surrounding A-roads, including the A500 and A34.

• Length of queues: Over 5 miles
• Estimated journey time increases: Up to 2 hours
• Affected lanes/carriageways: Northbound carriageway initially fully closed, currently one lane open
• Alternative route suggestions: Drivers are advised to consider using the A500 and A34 as alternative routes. However, these roads are also experiencing increased traffic. Use a sat-nav or traffic app for the most up-to-date information.
• Current traffic speed on affected sections: Traffic is moving very slowly in the affected area, with speeds reduced to less than 5 mph in the worst-affected zones.

Advice for Drivers on the M6 and Surrounding Areas

Given the ongoing disruption caused by the M6 van crash and the resulting significant traffic delays, drivers are urged to take the following precautions:

• Recommended alternative routes: Use a GPS navigation system or a traffic app like Google Maps or Waze to find the best alternative route based on real-time traffic information. Check for updates on alternative routes via Highways England's website.
• Links to relevant traffic information websites: Highways England website provides live traffic updates and incident information: [insert link to Highways England website]
• Tips for safe driving during congestion: Maintain a safe following distance, drive at a speed appropriate for conditions, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes.
• Advice on fuel efficiency during delays: If stuck in significant congestion, turn off the air conditioning to save fuel.

Expected Duration of M6 Disruption

Highways England estimates that the road will remain partially closed for several more hours while recovery work is completed, and a full investigation into the cause of the crash is carried out. Drivers should anticipate further delays and plan accordingly. Check for updates on the Highways England website or via traffic apps for the latest information.

• Expected time of road reopening: Currently estimated at 8:00 PM, but this is subject to change.
• Reason for delays: Vehicle recovery, accident investigation, and road surface repairs.
• Ongoing updates from official sources: Check Highways England and local news for the latest updates.

Conclusion

The M6 van crash has caused significant disruption to traffic flow, leading to substantial delays for many drivers. This incident highlights the importance of staying informed about current road conditions before embarking on any journey. Always check for updates before traveling on the M6 motorway and consider using alternative routes where possible to avoid potential delays. By staying informed about the latest M6 traffic conditions through official sources and dedicated traffic apps, you can ensure a safer and smoother journey. Remember to check for M6 traffic updates before starting your trip!