THERE is relief for drivers as closures on the M6 were lifted after hours of tailbacks on the motorway and Warrington on Thursday.

The northbound carriageway between junction 20 for the Lymm Interchange and junction 21 for Woolston has been closed for emergency services to make repairs to the Thelwall Viaduct since lunchtime.

Police have now stated the road is back open from junction 19 at Knutsford and one lane is open from Lymm.

Delays of two hours have been reported with long delays on roads in Warrington.

Police are helping vehicles trapped in the traffic and diversions have been put in place.

Emergency services have been on the scene and the carriageway was closed after a problem with suspension joints on the bridge.

Highways England originally thought the closure was due to a crash.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the scene and it was found that a number of grid plates had become loose and lifted out onto the road."