A CRASH on the M62 closed the whole westbound carriageway with miles-long queues building on approach. 

The crash happened between junction seven, for Rainhill and Warrington, and junction six, for Huyton and the M57.

Emergency services are at the scene, and officers from National Highways Northwest are assisting with traffic management.

Reports suggest traffic is building around junction eight, for Warrington, as drivers seek to avoid queues.

National Highways says there are delays of approximately 10 minutes, with 2 miles of congestion on the approach to the scene.

A spokesman said: "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."

A diversion route is in place. Drivers should exit the M62 at junction seven and take the second exit onto the A557 southbound.

At Widnes, turn right on to the A562 westbound, and at Newstead Farm Interchange, take the third exit off the roundabout onto the A5300 northbound.

Continue onto the M57 northbound and re-join the M62 at junction six.

National Highways Northwest expects the incident to be cleared by 10.45am, Google Traffic Data expects the disruption to last until 1pm.