The M6 near the Lake District has been closed following a crash, with the closure expected to remain in place for a few hours.

UPDATE: The M6 has been fully re-opened

READ MORE: Woman taken to hospital with serious injuries after M6 crash

Police have closed the southbound carriages of the motorway between junction 39, near Oddendale, and junction 37, near Killington Lake.

Cumbria Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance service are on the scene. The accident was reported before 5am this morning (April 17).

A diversion route has been put in place:

Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol on road signs

  • Exit the M6 at J39, turn right and use the B6261 link road to access the A6/
  • At the Shap Toll Bar junction, turn left onto the A6 Southbound.
  • In Kendal, follow the A6 Wildman Street and Stramongate.
  • Turn left onto the New Road, left onto Bridge Street and right onto Aynam Road and Lound Road.
  • Take the third exit from the roundabout signed Lancaster A6 (M6).
  • At the Romney Road traffic signals, turn left onto the A6 southbound.
  • South of Kendal, take the first exit at the roundabout onto the A591 southbound. Follow the A591 and A590 to re-join the M6 southbound at J36. 

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.