M61 - Vehicle fire

The M61 in Greater Manchester is closed southbound between J4  (M60/ A666) near Bolton and J2 due to a lorry fire and oil spillage. 

National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance assisting with traffic management.

The vehicle involved has been recovered however there is an extensive oil spillage across lanes 1 and 2 of the carriageway. Two sweepers and a sander have been requested to scene to assist with clearing the spillage.

The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours. 

Diversion Routes

Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs.

• Leave the M61 southbound at junction 4.
• At Watergate Lane/M61 junction 4 roundabout, take the third exit to join Watergate Lane.
• At A6/Watergate Lane roundabout, take the first exit onto A6 eastbound and follow for 2.2 km.
• At A5082/A6 signalised junction, turn left onto A5082 northbound and follow for 2.9 km.
• At A5082/A6053 signalised junction, turn right onto A6053 eastbound and follow for 0.3 km.
• At A666M/A6053 Kearsley Interchange roundabout, take the third exit to join the A666M Kearsley Spur southbound and follow for 2.2 km.
• Leave the A666M Kearsley Spur southbound at junction 2 and rejoin the M61 southbound to continue your journey.

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 via our regional X feed. Our 24/7 contact center team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.