A serious collision has caused major disruption on the M61, forcing a full closure of the northbound carriageway and sparking significant delays for motorists.
Motorway Brought to a Standstill
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene of a serious crash on the M61 motorway on Monday, 22nd December 2025. The incident has led to all traffic being held on the northbound carriageway between two key junctions.
The closure affects the stretch from Junction 6 at Horwich to Junction 8 at Chorley. In addition to the complete northbound stoppage, authorities have also implemented a lane closure on the southbound side of the motorway following the collision, further compounding travel chaos in the area.
Severe Delays and Growing Queues
The closure is having a severe impact on traffic across the region. According to live Google traffic data, lengthy queues are rapidly building as vehicles are unable to pass through the affected section.
Drivers are being warned to expect major delays and to seek alternative routes if possible. The stoppage is causing significant knock-on effects for local roads as traffic seeks to divert around the closed section of the M61 motorway.
Ongoing Situation and Advice
Emergency services remain at the scene dealing with the aftermath of the crash. The exact circumstances leading to the collision are not yet clear, and police are managing the situation.
National Highways and traffic officers are advising motorists to avoid the area. There is no immediate estimate for when the northbound carriageway will reopen, and travellers are urged to check live traffic updates before commencing their journeys.
