After a multi-vehicle collision this morning, a section of the M61 has been closed.

The southbound road between Horwich’s junction 6 and Chorley’s junction 8 has been blocked by police.

Emergency personnel are still on the scene of the crash this morning, which occurred just before midnight.

After being closed for around an hour, the northbound carriageway has again reopened.

Drivers are urged to find alternate routes as the southbound carriageway is “likely to remain closed throughout the morning,” according to National Highways.

“There are no times for the carriageway to be reopened at this time due to the nature of the incident,” a National Highways representative stated.

‘Severe delays’ have also been caused by the motorway closure on the southbound A6 Chorley Road between the B5408 Blackrod Brow and the A6027 De Havilland Way.

Statement from National Highways

Following a serious multiple car incident, the M61 in Lancashire is closed southbound between J8 (Chorley) and J6 (Horwich), according to a National Highways representative.

“Lancashire police are in charge of the incident’s response and are currently conducting on-scene investigations.

“Contractors and National Highways Traffic Officers are present and helping with approach-related strategic closures.

“There are currently no plans to reopen the carriageway due to the incident’s nature.”

Diversion route

Get off the southbound M61 at J8.
Continue west on A674 for about 1 mile after the M61 J8/A674 roundabout.
Proceed approximately 10 miles south on the A6 after the A674/A6 junction.

Proceed east on the A6027 for about 1 mile after the A6/A6027 roundabout.

Reenter the M61 southbound at the A6027/M61 Jct 6 roundabout.

The Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs should be followed by drivers heading south.