A stretch of the M6 is fully shut this morning following a 'serious' crash.

The southbound carriageway in Cumbria between J42 for Carlisle and J41 for Penrith has been closed off since around 11pm last night (December 7). Police, paramedics and traffic officers were called to reports of a two-vehicle collision just south of Southwaite Services.

The driver of the car has been taken to hospital with 'serious injuries'. National Highways said police collision investigations have been ongoing through the night.

Due to the nature of the incident, the carriageway is expected to remain closed for 'a number of hours'. Diversions are in place along the A6.

This is a live blog. Scroll down for the latest updates.

Key Events

Jon Macpherson

M6 southbound reopens

Inrix now reports that the M6 southbound has reopened following an earlier accident investigation

Jon Macpherson

'Traffic coping well'

Traffic monitoring service Inrix reports:

M6 Southbound closed due to accident from J42 A6 (Carlisle South) to J41 B5305 (Catterlen). Traffic is coping well.

Closed since around midnight

Jon Macpherson

Closure map

Here is the latest map from AA Traffic News showing the extent of the closure

Jon Macpherson

Diversion route

Road users are advised to follow the solid black square diversion symbol on road signs:

  • Exit the M6 at J42, at Golden Fleece roundabout take second exit signed A6, Penrith
  • Travel south on the A6 through Low Hesket, High Hesket and Plumpton
  • At Stoneybeck roundabout take fourth exit (B5305) towards Wigton
  • At J41 (M6) take first exit to rejoin the M6 southbound
KEY EVENT

'Expected to remain closed for a number of hours'

National Highways said the M6 is closed southbound between J42 and J41 (Carlisle to Penrith) due to a 'serious collision'.

A spokesperson said:

At approximately 22:58 yesterday evening a serious collision occurred near Calthwaite resulting in the closure of the M6 between J42 & J41.

Emergency services including Cumbria Police responded to the incident. Police collision investigations have been ongoing through the night.

Due to the nature of the incident, the carriageway is expected to remain closed for a number of hours.

Jon Macpherson

Police statement

Cumbria Police said:

The M6 southbound between junctions 42 and 41 is currently closed as emergency services are responding to a road traffic collision.

Police were contacted at 10:55pm (7 December) with a report of a two vehicle collision, just south of Southwaite Services, involving a car and a HGV.

Emergency services are currently at the scene.

The driver of the car has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.