A major UK motorway has been closed following a significant accident, leading to traffic disruptions in the area. The M61 in Greater Manchester has been shut down northbound between J9 (M65) and M6 J30 due to a collision that occurred on Monday morning.
Emergency services, including Lancashire Police, are currently on the scene, managing the situation. Traffic congestion is building up, and a diversion route has been put in place to redirect vehicles.
Although the M61 has been reopened in some sections, the closure remains in effect between J9 and M6 J30 due to the severity of the collision. National Highways reported that delays are currently exceeding the expected journey time by 50 minutes.
Recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities stating that it will take a considerable amount of time to clear the road. The closure is anticipated to last throughout the morning, causing disruptions for motorists in the area.
National Highways has advised that the road is likely to stay closed until around 11:30 am, as efforts to resolve the situation continue. Drivers are experiencing slow-moving traffic near the diversion point, with queues stretching back towards Chorley.
The closure was prompted by a vehicle leaving the carriageway during the collision, leading to the road shutdown. Although no specific reopening time has been provided, authorities are working diligently to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Motorists are advised to follow the designated diversion route in place to navigate around the closed section of the M61. The closure is expected to impact the morning peak period, with emergency services remaining at the scene to oversee the situation.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, as reported by Inrix, with the road closure implemented shortly after due to the severity of the accident. Stay updated with email alerts for the latest developments on this ongoing situation.
