Long delays and miles of congestion after ‘serious’ multi-vehicle crash closes M61 northbound near Chorley
The northbound carriageway was closed between junctions 8 (Chorley) and 9 (Clayton Brook) at around 3.30pm on Tuesday (August 1).
Emergency services[1] attended the scene as traffic officers assessed reported infrastructure damage to a large section of central and nearside barrier.
There were also reports a bridge may have been struck in the four-vehicle crash.
A multi-vehicle crash closed the M61 northbound near Chorley (Credit: Google)
Mobile speed camera locations for this month
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Motorists[3] experienced delays of more than 60 minutes following the closure.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the M61.
“The northbound carriageway is completely closed at junction 8 and traffic is backed up in both directions.
“We would advise motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible.”
Traffic[4] was diverted from junction 8:
– Follow the solid square symbol.
– Exit M61 at J8 and take the 1st exit onto the A674.
– At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit for the A6 northbound.
– Travel on the A6 until the roundabout with Four Oaks Road.
– Take the 2nd exit on to Four Oaks Road, then at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit on to Tramway Lane.
– At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit to Clayton Brook Interchange (M61/M65).
– Take the 1st exit and rejoin the M61 northbound.
Traffic caught within the closure was turned around so it could leave the M61 and join the above diversion route.
References
- ^ Emergency services (www.lep.co.uk)
- ^