Emergency services are dealing with a road traffic collision on the M6 between J42 and J41.
Police were called at 1:46pm.
A lorry has overturned.
A Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “At 1:52pm, four fire engines, from Penrith, Carlisle West and Shap were mobilised to an RTC involving a HGV on the M6 motorway between junctions 42 and 41 southbound.
“On arrival crews found all persons were out of the vehicle with no one trapped, fire-fighters used environmental equipment to control a fuel spill and made the vehicle safe before leaving the incident in the hands of Cumbria Police.
“Crews were on scene for approximately forty minutes.”
The lorry driver sustained only minor injuries.
The M6 is closed southbound, one lane is now open northbound.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route.
Diversions are in place: Southbound traffic from J42 follow the A6 and B5305 following the solid black square symbol.
Northbound traffic from J41 follow the reverse of this route following the solid black triangle symbol.
Drivers are advised to allow extra time to complete their journeys.