A stretch motorway has been shut for hours following a ‘serious incident’.
The M61 has been shut on southbound carriageway between junction 6 for Bolton and junction 5 for Westhoughton. The incident, which was confirmed as a ‘concern for welfare’ incident, happened just before 5am and as of 1pm, the motorway is still closed in both directions.
The Manchester Evening News reported at around 8am this morning that emergency services were at the scene of the ‘serious police-led incident’. Officers from both GMP and Lancs Police were at the scene alongside paramedics and firefighters.
National Highways now estimates it’ll be around 5.45pm before the disruption is over.
On X, National Highways posted: “NEW INCIDENT #M61 southbound J6 #Bolton to J5 #Westhoughton #GreaterManchester ROAD CLOSED Due to a serious incident being led by @gmpolice and @gmptraffic.”
It added on its website: “The M61 in Greater Manchester is closed between J6 Horwich Interchange (Bolton (W), Horwich (A673)) and J5 Hunger Hill Interchange (Westhoughton, Hindley, Deane A58) due to a serious, police-led incident.
“Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police, North West Ambulance Service and National Highways are attending. Traffic travelling northbound is also being diverted off and back on at J6 due to this incident.
“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
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