Police are asking drivers to be patient while long tailbacks clear following a collision on the M6 this morning.
The northbound carriageway was closed earlier on but has now reopened.
People stuck in traffic on the M6 are asked by police to remain inside their vehicle and not to walk onto the carriageway, unless there is an emergency.
Police were called at 7.50am following a report of a collision on the northbound side of the motorway, between junctions 40 and 41, involving two lorries and a Ford Focus.
One man, in his late twenties and from Birmingham, was taken to James Cook Univeersity Hospital, Middlesbrough, by air ambulance with serious head injuries.
He was in a critical but stable condition this afternoon.
Police said motorists should take the accident into account when planning journeys.
Any witnesses should contact PC 2378 Johnson at the Mobile Support Group on 101.
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