The M6 has been closed in both directions after a police incident.
Both the northbound and southbound carriageway are closed between junction 39 and junction 41.
Traffic is queuing in the area as a result.
An air ambulance has landed at the scene.
A statement for Cumbria Constabulary said: “The M6 is fully closed between junctions 39 and 41, near Penrith, as emergency services deal with an ongoing incident.
“Motorists are being diverted via the A6. Drivers are asked to stay clear of the area if possible.”
A spokesman for the Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “We are currently attending an incident to south of Penrith on the motorway.
“We flew at 1.22pm and arrived on scene within five minutes.”