Overturned lorry forces part-closure of M6

The overturned lorry has now been righted, National Highways says

Drivers are being warned to expect continued disruption after an overturned lorry forced part of a motorway to close.

The vehicle crossed the central reservation on the M6, near Carlisle, shortly before 03:45 BST and ended up on its side.

Cumbria Police said the lorry had been in a collision involving a Vauxhall Corsa but no serious injuries had been reported.

The road northbound has reopened but remains closed southbound between junctions 41 and 42, according to National Highways, with an "extensive clear-up and recovery required".

Diversions have been put in place, although there is heavy congestion and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if possible.

A long section of the central reservation barrier has been damaged and must be repaired before the road can reopen, National Highways added.

Sections of all three lanes and the hard shoulder along the southbound carriageway are being resurfaced this afternoon with the hope of reopening lanes one and two this evening.

Lane three in both carriageways will remain closed into Tuesday evening while National Highways repairs the central reservation safety barrier.