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Motorway closed after van crash Motorway reopens after van crash
(about 3 hours later)
Part of the M6 motorway has been closed in both directions after a van carrying gas canisters overturned in Cheshire. The M6 motorway has reopened after a crash involving a van carrying gas canisters in Cheshire.
Motorists are being warned of tailbacks of up to 30 miles (48km) south of the crash, between junction 18 at Holmes Chapel and junction 19 at Knutsford. The carriageway was closed, causing tailbacks of up to 30 miles (48km) after the crash between junction 18 at Holmes Chapel and 19 at Knutsford.
Traffic is being directed along the A54 and the A556 before being allowed to rejoin the motorway. Fire crews doused the canisters with water until they had cooled down toi make sure they would not explode.
The Highways Agency closed the road for 24 hours as a precaution but said it is optimistic it may reopen overnight. The Highways Agency had feared the motorway may be shut for 24 hours, but it reopened at about 2000 GMT.
Exclusion zone Hundreds of vehicles were left gridlocked in both directions as motorists were directed off the carriageway along the A54 and the A556.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and to find alternative routes. Safety concern
A 200m exclusion zone has been put in place by emergency services, who are working to make the area safe. A Cheshire Police spokesman said the northbound exit slip road at junction 19 would remain closed to help police with the recovery and clean-up.
The Highways Agency said traffic was queuing northbound to Lymm and southbound to Stoke-on-Trent. He added: "I would like to thank the motorists for their patience during this period.
A Cheshire police spokesman said: "The closure is a precautionary measure because the cylinders are flammable. "These actions were taken for the protection of the motoring public and their safety is our primary concern."
"The oxyacetylene bottles are being cooled down by Cheshire Fire Service to keep them safe." It is understood the lorry struck a safety barrier but the driver was not injured.