All lanes on the M6 motorway near Stafford have reopened after an offal spillage caused significant disruption for motorists on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred between Junction 14 (Stafford North) and Junction 15 (Stoke-on-Trent), leading to lane closures and slow-moving traffic.
Details of the incident
The spillage was reported around 8:30 AM, prompting National Highways to dispatch cleanup crews to the scene. Two lanes were initially closed to allow for the removal of the offal, which had been spilled from a lorry. Traffic data from Inrix indicated that congestion stretched back several miles, with delays of up to 45 minutes.
Response and reopening
By 11:00 AM, all lanes were fully reopened after the debris was cleared and the road surface was cleaned. National Highways confirmed that no injuries were reported, and the cause of the spillage is under investigation. Drivers were advised to allow extra time for their journeys during the morning peak.
Impact on travel
The spillage caused significant delays for commuters and freight traffic on one of the UK's busiest motorways. Local radio stations reported queuing traffic from Junction 13 back to Junction 14. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes, including the A34 and A518 roads.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: "We thank drivers for their patience while our teams worked to clear the spillage safely. The road surface has been thoroughly cleaned, and lanes have been reopened."
