M61 Northbound Closed After Serious Crash

0:00On March 23rd, the M-61 Northbound is closed between Junction 9 for the M-65 and Junction 30 on the M-6 near Preston after a serious crash around 2 a.m. this morning. Emergency services shut down the road right away and it's been closed for nearly seven hours now with Lancashire Police leading the investigation. National Highway's traffic officers are on site helping manage the chaos and the closure is expected to last through the morning rush hour. A single car was involved in the incident and all lanes remain blocked for detailed collision work. Drivers are facing massive delays of up to 50 minutes with cues stretching back to Junction 8 near Chorley on the M-61 and even. Spilling onto the M-6 toward Junction 27 at Sandish and Junction 26 near Wigan, the knock on effects have caused low traffic around Charnock Richard services and beyond. Prompting warnings to avoid the area if possible. Officials urged planning alternate routes well ahead. For now, follow the official diversion via the M-65 Westbound to Junction 1 at Lostock Hall then north onto the M-6 stay tuned for.

1:09Re-opening updates as the investigation wraps up.