The lorry ended up on its side at Ellesmere Port between junctions six and seven of the northbound carriageway of the motorway at about 11am yesterday.

Another lorry and car were involved in the collision but the lorry that jacknifed spilt a tonne and a half of scrap metal onto the road.

Highways Agency officers used specialist lifting equipment to remove the metal from the road and some carriageway repair had to be carried out.

The driver of the lorry that ended up on its side was treated for minor injuries.

Highways Agency spokesman Neil Sterio said: "Traffic was delayed and we advised drivers to stay away from the area.

"We also advised the Vauxhall plant nearby to warn workers about it."

The northbound carriageway was reopened at 9.20pm. The southbound carriageway was fully reopened at 7pm after being closed intermittently throughout the day.

"Some traffic was taken on the hard shoulder in the southbound direction," added Mr Sterio.