M61 closed after collision

It's shut northbound between J9 (M65) and the M6 J30

Author: Jon BurkePublished 23rd Mar 2026

The M61 in Greater Manchester is closed northbound between J9 (M65) and the M6 J30 due to a collision.

All emergency services, including Lancashire Police, are in attendance.

National Highways traffic officers are also on scene providing assistance with traffic management.

Diversion Route

Exit M61 at J9

Use the left lane to take the slip road onto M65

Continue on M65

Exit at junction 1 (Liverpool/M58/Birmingham)

On the slip road, use the right lane to follow Lancaster/Blackpool/M55

On the roundabout take the right lane M6N / A6

Take the exit towards Lancaster M6 / Blackpool (M55) / Bamber Bridge A6

Stay in the left lane for M6 (North) follow Lancaster M6 / Blackpool (M55)

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the M6 slip road to follow Lancaster M6 / Blackpool (M55)

Join the M6

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.

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting the website and travel apps, or via the regional X feed.

The team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.