The motorway is shut on the southbound carriageway between junction 5 and junction 4, with traffic stopped northbound as emergency services attend the scene
08:31, 30 Mar 2026Updated 08:40, 30 Mar 2026
Traffic on the M61(Image: National Highways)
A section of the M61 has been completely closed off this morning due to a ‘police-led incident’. The motorway is entirely shut on the southbound carriageway between junction 5 for Westhoughton and junction four. Traffic has also been halted on the northbound side between junctions four and five.
Emergency services are currently at the scene. The A579 St Helens Road is also reportedly closed.
Lengthy queues are forming on both sides of the motorway. In a post on X, National Highways stated: “The #M61 in #GreaterManchester is closed southbound between J5 (#Westhoughton/ #Bolton) and J4 (#A6) due to a Police led incident.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“Traffic is stopped northbound between J4 and J5. Emergency services are in attendance. More information to follow. Thank you for your patience.”
Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M61 southbound at J5
- At the M61 J5/A58 roundabout, take the third exit and follow the A58 eastbound.
- At the A58/A6 Chequerbent roundabout, take the first exit onto the A6 southbound.
- At the A6/Watergate Lane roundabout, take the first exit onto the link road to the M61.
- At Watergate Lane/M61 J4 roundabout, take the third exit and re-join the M61 southbound.
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