The M6 near Carlisle was closed in both directions following concerns for a pedestrian.
Cumbria Police closed the motorway's northbound and southbound carriageways between junction 42 and junction 43 at about 3.40pm yesterday.
"The incident was a concern for welfare for a pedestrian near the motorway," said a police spokesperson. "The member of the public was found unharmed and taken to hospital for precautionary checks."
The motorway was closed for about 40 minutes while the person was located and brought to safety.
Highways England tweeted at 4.25pm to say the road had reopened.
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