M61 diversions in place due to serious motorway crash

The motorway is closed northbound between Junctions 5 and 6, forcing motorists off the carriageway and onto surrounding local roads as emergency services work at the scene.

National Highways says the closure is causing around 20 minutes of delays, with congestion building through Westhoughton, Chequerbent, and Horwich as traffic follows the official diversion.

Road users travelling northbound are being directed to leave the motorway at Junction 5, where the signed hollow circle diversion begins.

The route is as follows:

Exit the M61 at J5 and take the first exit at the J5/A58 roundabout onto A58 Snydle Way westbound.

At the A58/A6 Chequerbent roundabout, take the third exit onto the A6 Manchester Road northbound and continue on the A6 into Chorley Road.

At the A6/A6027 roundabout, take the second exit onto A6027 De Havilland Way eastbound then re-join the M61 northbound at Junction 6.

The diversion adds significant time to journeys, particularly as traffic remains heavy on the A6 corridor.

National Highways is advising motorists to plan ahead, use alternative roads where possible, or delay their journey until the motorway reopens.

Further updates are expected as emergency services continue to manage the incident.

This remains a live travel situation, and we will bring you the latest as soon as more information is released.