M61 - Southbound - Between J8 and J6 - Carriageway Closed
The M61 is blocked southbound (Picture: Google)

A major motorway will be closed until at least mid-morning after a serious crash.

The M61 in Lancashire is closed southbound between junctions 6 and 8 after a collision close to the Rivington services just after midnight.

Police are at the scene carrying out investigation work, but due to this there is no exact time that the carriageway will reopen.

Drivers are being asked to find an alternative route, and National Highways has put official diversion routes in place.

Their traffic officers are also on scene and helping with road closures.

The crash is likely to cause delays for drivers as we approach rush hour this morning.

Metro has contacted Lancashire Police for more details.


  • 3m ago


    Official diversion route after M61 serious crash


    • Official diversion route after M61 serious crash

    Drivers affected by the closure on the southbound carriageway of the M61 are being asked to follow the hollow square diversion symbol, using the following route:

    • Exit the M61 southbound at J8
    • At the M61 J8/A674 roundabout, follow A674 westbound for approx. 1 mile. 
    • At the A674/A6 roundabout, follow the A6 southbound for approx. 10 miles. 
    • At A6/A6027 roundabout, follow the A6027 eastbound for approx 1 mile. 
    • At the A6027/M61 Jct 6 roundabout, rejoin the M61 southbound.


    MORE : Brand new London Underground trains vandalised before making it to the tracks


    MORE : Elderly man attacked at London bus stop ‘for letting women and children on first’


    MORE : Met Office issues yellow weather warning ahead of rush hour travel