DRIVERS are being warned of long delays on the M6 this morning as a recovery operation gets underway for an overturned lorry.
National Highways were called to the incident on the northbound carriageway between junction 17, for Sandbach, and junction 18, for Middlewich, at around 4am.
Three lanes – one, two, and three – have been closed for about four hours since the incident.
Traffic is very slow approaching the scene, with around 1.5 miles of congestion and 30 minutes of delays expected.
National Highways are urging drivers to plan ahead for journeys.
A spokesman said: “If you’re heading on M6 northbound, please allow extra journey time following an overturned HGV between J17 Sandbach and J18 Holmes Chapel.
“The HGV has come to rest on the nearside barrier.”
Disruption is expected to continue through the morning and into the afternoon.
A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Firefighters were called to rescue one person from a lorry that had overturned on its side.
“Crews were able to free the casualty and assess them on the scene. It is believed their injuries are non-life-threatening, and the casualty was handed over to paramedics.
“Police and highways were also on scene and lanes one to three were closed while the motorway is cleared.
“Firefighters assisted to make the area safe.”
Firefighters left the scene at around 5.15am, with the incident handed over to police.