M6 Motorway closed in both directions

The M6 motorway has been closed in both directions this morning due to a damaged power cable.

The motorway has been closed in Cheshire between junctions 16 and 17 near Sandbach while repairs are carried out.

Scottish Power engineers are at the scene and the repairs are expected to be completed shortly.

Highways England said there are queues of several miles in both directions.

A statement said: “An overhead power cable has been damaged. Scottish Power – The Utilities Company responsible for power supply in the area – are at scene.

“Traffic heading northbound should divert via the A500 westbound, A5020 north and A534 north to rejoin at J17. Follow the solid triangle symbol.

“For motorists heading southbound, do the same route in reverse order, following the hollow triangle symbol.”