THE M6 motorway near Carlisle had been closed in both directions due to an overturned HGV.
The incident, on the southbound carriageway, between junction 42 and 41 has brought traffic to a standstill.
Emergency services were called to the scene, about a mile from junction 41 for Wigton, at about 1.45pm.
Cumbria Police said the driver suffered no injuries.
The News & Star understands the north and southbound carriageways are completely closed.
A police spokesman said: “The Highways Agency are now dealing with the incident on the M6 southbound carriage way following a HGV overturning, we will be conducting investigations into the incident, and would like to thank the public for their patience while the carriage way is being cleared."
The Highways Agency have updated their website to say they expect the M6 to return to normal traffic conditions between 23.30 and 23.45 on January 21.
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