Overview
- The motorway was closed in both directions between J31 (Preston) and J32 (M55) in the early hours of New Year's Day.
- The route reopened just before the morning rush hour following more than four hours of closure.
- National Highways and emergency services managed the scene, initially giving no estimated reopening time as the cause was not disclosed.
- Signed diversion routes were set for northbound and southbound drivers, and trapped traffic was released by officers.
- The M55 eastbound between J1 and the M6 was also shut during the response before reopening.