M61 fully closed in Manchester as 'police incident' causes rush hour traffic chaos

The motorway is shut on the southbound carriageway between junction 5 and junction 4, with traffic stopped northbound as emergency services attend the scene

08:31, 30 Mar 2026Updated 10:54, 30 Mar 2026

Traffic on the M61(Image: National Highways)

A section of the M61 was completely closed off this morning due to a 'police-led incident'. The motorway was entirely shut on the southbound carriageway between junction 5 for Westhoughton and junction four. Traffic has also been halted on the northbound side between junctions four and five.

The A579 St Helens Road was also closed. Emergency services raced to the scene to deal with a "concern for safety". Police later said a woman was taken to hospital with "life-threatening injuries."

Lengthy queues formed on both sides of the motorway. In a post on X, National Highways stated: "The #M61 in #GreaterManchester is closed southbound between J5 (#Westhoughton/ #Bolton) and J4 (#A6) due to a Police led incident.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

"Traffic is stopped northbound between J4 and J5. Emergency services are in attendance. More information to follow. Thank you for your patience."

Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs

Exit the M61 southbound at J5
At the M61 J5/A58 roundabout, take the third exit and follow the A58 eastbound.
At the A58/A6 Chequerbent roundabout, take the first exit onto the A6 southbound.
At the A6/Watergate Lane roundabout, take the first exit onto the link road to the M61.
At Watergate Lane/M61 J4 roundabout, take the third exit and re-join the M61 southbound.

UPDATE: The M61 has now been fully reopened.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a concern for welfare. A woman has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries."

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