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 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.

Motorists 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.”

The motorway remained closed at 8.30pm as police investigated the incident.

Traffic 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.