Three people have been injured in a crash involving a van and a car, which has closed part of a motorway in both directions, causing severe delays.
Cheshire Police said the collision happened at about 03:30 GMT on the northbound M6 at junction 20 near Warrington, where it meets the M56 at Lymm Interchange.
Traffic England said vehicles had been diverted off the M6 via the exit and entry slip roads.
It later reported delays of 90 minutes, with tailbacks of about eight miles (13km).
Traffic monitoring service Inrix said southbound traffic had built up to before junction 22 for Newton-le-Willows, while those heading northbound could expect congestion from junction 19 for Knutsford.
It also said traffic was “very slow” on the M62 heading towards Manchester due to motorists trying to find alternative routes.
Police have not given an update on the condition of the three injured people, who were taken to hospital for assessment.