A major motorway in the United Kingdom has been closed following a severe collision, leading to a significant disruption in traffic flow. The closure of the M61 in Greater Manchester, specifically the northbound lanes between J9 (M65) and M6 J30, is expected to last for most of the morning on Monday, March 23.
Emergency response teams, including Lancashire Police, are currently present at the scene to manage the situation. A detour has been established to redirect traffic, although congestion is steadily increasing in the area.
National Highways anticipates that regular traffic conditions will resume around 11:30 am, but Inrix reports that the incident occurred around 2:00 am, resulting in an extended closure period. Motorists are encountering slow-moving traffic as they approach the designated diversion, with queues extending back towards Chorley.
According to reports from National Highways’ traffic alert system, a vehicle veered off the carriageway during the collision. The exact timeline for the reopening of the road remains uncertain as authorities continue their response efforts.
Google Maps highlights the formation of lengthy queues due to the road closure, prompting the implementation of the established detour route. Motorists are advised to follow the diversion instructions as follows:
– Exit M61 at J9
– Take the left lane onto the M65 slip road
– Proceed on M65
– Exit at junction 1 towards Liverpool/M58/Birmingham
– Follow signs for Lancaster/Blackpool/M55 on the slip road
– Merge onto M6N/A6 at the roundabout
– Take the exit towards Lancaster M6/Blackpool (M55)/Bamber Bridge A6
– Stay in the left lane for M6 (North) towards Lancaster M6/Blackpool (M55)
– At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the M6 slip road for Lancaster M6/Blackpool (M55)
– Merge onto the M6
National Highways has cautioned that the road will likely remain closed throughout the morning peak hours due to the severity of the crash. Emergency services are actively engaged on-site, and the diversion route is operational to manage traffic diversions caused by the closure. Inrix confirms that the accident occurred in the early hours of the morning, leading to the current closure status.