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Motorists bound for Preston remain stopped in Penwortham after an accident on the Guild Way overpass at around 7:20 a.m. M.
The Guild Way Bridge has been closed in both directions for more than two hours, causing severe congestion on both sides of the River Ribble.
A victim of the accident was taken to Royal Preston Hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the ambulance service said.
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Drivers caught at the flyover stop have turned around and diverted towards Penwortham, where traffic is meeting the A59 at Liverpool Road before crossing the flyover to Broadgate in the city.
The accident is also seriously affecting traffic on other highways in the area, with queues along Strand Road between Broadgate / Fishergate Hill and Water Lane / Tulketh Brow in Preston.
There are miles of traffic queuing into Penwortham and back to Howick and Hutton, as well as along John Horrocks Way and Golden Way.
Traffic also has a difficult time moving along Cop Lane and Pope Lane, and down Leyland Road back to Lostock Hall.
Currently, the queues stretch along Cop Lane from Kingsfold to the traffic lights in Penwortham village center, with congestion continuing along Liverpool Road towards Preston.
Some people traveling from Howick and Hutton have reported that they have been stuck in neutral for up to two hours, with traffic barely moving along the A59 between Liverpool Road in Penwortham and the city.
A police spokesman said: “We are currently at the scene of a two-vehicle collision on the Penwortham Flybridge.
The emergency services have come and the road is closed.
“We are advising motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes when possible.
“We will inform you in due time.”
The Northwest Ambulance Service has treated several casualties for minor injuries and has taken one person to Royal Preston Hospital for further treatment.
A spokesman for the ambulance said: “We were called at 7:20 am to receive reports of a traffic collision between two vehicles.
“It appears that we have taken a patient to the hospital, the extent of the injuries is unclear but it does not appear to be life threatening.”
Fire crews from Preston and Penwortham also attended the scene, with firefighters providing first aid to several slightly injured victims.
A fire service spokesman said: “At 7.33am, two fire trucks from Preston and Penwortham attended a traffic collision located on Guild Way, Ashton in Ribble, Preston.
“The incident involved multiple vehicles. The victims were treated by the fire service and left in the care of NWAS personnel.
“The fire crews used a fireplace kit and were present for thirty minutes.”
Recovery teams tasked with moving the two affected vehicles, which had been blocking the road to Preston, are on the scene.
You can stay up-to-date with the latest updates on today’s traffic chaos with our live blog here.
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