Heavy traffic building after M61 blocked following multi-vehicle crash between junction 6 and 8

The M61 northbound was blocked between junctions 6 (Horwich) and 8 (Chorley) following a multi-vehicle crash at around 2.55pm on Monday (August 22).

Traffic officers, police and firefighters were called to the scene following the collision, with motorists urged to avoid the area or plan for delays.

“There are delays of around 30 mins on the approach to this incident so please allow extra time for your journey,” a spokesman for National Highways said.

At 4.25pm, traffic was allowed to pass the scene via the hard shoulder but the live lanes remained closed as the area was cleared.

Heavy traffic remained in the area as a result with delays of approximately 45 minutes reported on approach to the incident.

Traffic maps showed congestion was backing up to junction 4 (Watergate Lane) on the northbound carriageway.

National Highways said normal traffic conditions were expected between 8.45pm and 9pm.