Police issue tragic update as M61 closed both directions near Bolton

Police were called to the motorway following a concern for welfare report.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “We were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M61 today (Friday 8 May 2026).

“Sadly, a man died at the scene. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

“The motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 2 at Linnyshaw and junction 4 at Over Hulton whilst officers conduct their enquiries.”

The motorway was closed in both directions at around lunchtime, with diversions put into place, directing motorists.

The diversions are:

Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the Solid square diversion symbol on road signs.

• Leave the M61 northbound at junction 2.
• Follow the A666 Kearsley Spur northbound for 2.2 km.
• Leave the A666 Kearsley Spur northbound at A666/A6053 roundabout.
• At A666/A6053 roundabout, take the first exit on to the A6053  northbound and follow for 0.3 km.
• At A6053 /A5082 junction, turn left on to A5082 westbound and follow for 2.9 km.
• At A5082/A6 junction , turn right onto A6 westbound and follow for 2.2 km.
• At A6/Watergate Lane roundabout, take the second exit leading to M61 and follow for 0.5 km.
• At Watergate Lane/M61 junction 4 roundabout, take the first exit and re-join the M61 northbound.

Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs.

• Leave the M61 southbound at junction 4.
• At Watergate Lane/M61 junction 4 roundabout, take the third exit to join the A6.
• Follow the A6 southbound for 0.5 km.
• At A6/Watergate Lane roundabout, take the first exit onto A6 eastbound and follow for 2.2 km.
• At A5082/A6 junction, turn left onto A5082 northbound and follow for 2.9 km.
• At A5082/A6053 junction, turn right onto A6053 eastbound and follow for 0.3 km.
• At A666/A6053 roundabout, take the third exit to join the A666 Kearsley Spur southbound and follow for 2.2 km.
• Leave the A666 Kearsley Spur southbound at junction 2.
• Join the M61 southbound at junction 2.

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed. Our 24/7 contact center team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.