NewsBeat
M61 was closed due to concern for welfare incident
The motorway was closed in both directions at Junction 8 late on February 25 due to a concern for welfare.
Lancashire Police confirmed the incident, which caused significant disruption for motorists on Wednesday night, was ‘safely resolved’.
A spokesperson for the force said: “This was a concern for welfare which was safely resolved, and the motorway was reopened after both carriageways had been closed.”
The motorway had been shut in both directions while officers dealt with the situation, with police earlier warning the closure would remain in place “for some time”.
National Highways said the incident affected both the northbound and southbound carriageways at Junction 8 and classified it as an “authority operation”.
Drivers experienced heavy traffic in the area throughout the evening as diversions were put in place.
Eyewitnesses reported vehicles blocking the hard shoulder while the closure remained in force.
The motorway reopened at around midnight.