Latest Lancashire traffic updates as M61 remains closed northbound after serious crash overnight

The motorway remains closed between J9 (M65) and the M6 J30 following a crash involving a car at around 2am.

Emergency services remain at the scene as accident investigation work continues, with congestion on the diversion route causing queues back towards Chorley.

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It’s not clear at this stage how many people have been injured and National Highways traffic officers are also on scene providing assistance with traffic management.

A police investigation is underway “due to the nature of the incident” and National Highways said the closure 'will likely remain closed throughout the morning peak period'.

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A diversion is in place and queues are starting to build approaching the closure.

Diversion Route

• Exit M61 at J9
• Use the left lane to take the slip road onto M65
• Continue on M65
• Exit at junction 1 (Liverpool/M58/Birmingham)
• On the slip road, use the right lane to follow Lancaster/Blackpool/M55
• On the roundabout take the right lane M6N / A6
• Take the exit towards Lancaster M6 / Blackpool (M55) / Bamber Bridge A6
• Stay in the left lane for M6 (North) follow Lancaster M6 / Blackpool (M55)
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the M6 slip road to follow Lancaster M6 / Blackpool (M55)
• Join the M6