Police have closed off a stretch of Water Lane near Southport with rush hour traffic grinding to a complete halt.
Traffic is backed up on the Coast Road, Preston New Road and Gravel Lane meaning motorists in and out of Southport are struggling to move.
OTS understands there has been a serious accident on Water Lane near to the border with West Lancashire and emergency services remain on scene.
The road closure is causing huge tailbacks with traffic being stopped and journey times between the town and nearby Banks and Tarleton currently standing at over one hour.
Drivers who want to get in and out of town are being encouraged to take back roads via Moss Lane and Ormskirk.
Police remain on scene and have asked motorists to avoid the area while an investigation is carried out.