The M6 is expected to be closed for several hours after a woman was found dead.
Both carriageways of the motorway were closed between junctions 23 at Haydock and 26 at Orrell, near Wigan, from shortly after 08:00 GMT, causing miles of tailbacks.
Greater Manchester Police said it was called following concerns for the welfare of a woman at about 07:42 GMT but she was found dead at the scene.
National Highways North West said it could not estimate when the motorway would re-open and expected it to remain closed “throughout the day”.
