Substantial delays continue on M6 this evening

Substantial delays continue on M6 this evening.

Traffic is facing delays of two hours on the M6 still this evening between J39 at Shap and J40 Penrith on the M6.

The A6 diversion route is also still facing delays with traffic moving slowly with tailbacks from Kemplay Roundabout backing up to Hackthorpe at one point this afternoon.

Traffic is still queuing back beyond J39 on the M6 and the A6 is backed up to Clifton.

A lorry shed it load on the M6 earlier this afternoon leading to the closure of lanes on the M6 alongside the lane closures already in place for the works on Lowther Bridge that carries the M6 across the river Lowther.

Drivers stuck in the tailbacks just beyond J39 departed their vehicles at one point and began talking to neighbouring drivers sharing drinks and food among themselves while they waited for movement in the queue ahead.

One driver stuck in the tailbacks this evening said “we could have done without the delays but everyone was in good spirits no que jumping and pushing across lanes and at one point it was quite a part atmosphere with music playing out of vehicles and people out talking and sharing food and drink. I don’t think I have ever experienced anything quite like that on the M6 before.”

The M6 roadworks are set to remain in place for 5 months and seen delays earlier this week with traffic restricted to two lanes and reduced speeds.