The M57 was closed in the northbound direction on Monday after a car fire at Switch Island.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene of the blaze involving one vehicle on the busy commuter route.
Highways England said traffic was stopped due to the fire, later saying one lane had been closed to allow the emergency services at the scene to deal with the incident.
Motorways police and Merseyside fire and rescue service crews were called out, with police saying the lane closure was due to be lifted at around 11am.
Elsewhere, the M6 was hit by long tailbacks after a crash and diesel spill.
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The incident, between junction 15 for Crewe and junction 16 for Stafford, led to around six miles of traffic and was adding up to 50 minutes to journey times, according to Highways England at around 8am.
At 10am Highways England said the M6 traffic was beginning to ease.
