Key Points

·       Lancashire Police have closed the M61 motorway in both directions.

·       Closure is between Junction 8 (Chorley) and Junction 6 (Horwich).

·       The closure is due to a police-led incident involving a concern for welfare.

·       Diversions have been put in place for drivers to avoid the closed section.

·       The closure is impacting traffic flow and causing delays.

Why has the M61 motorway been closed by Lancashire Police?

The M61 motorway in Lancashire was closed in both directions between Junction 8, Chorley, and Junction 6, Horwich. This drastic measure was taken by Lancashire Police as they attended to a concern for welfare incident. The closure was reported by Blog Preston, which states that officers were actively dealing with the situation on-site, resulting in the shutdown of this section of the motorway.

What are the details of the police-led incident causing the closure?

As reported by Blog Preston, the incident on the M61 involved a concern for welfare, which necessitated police intervention and road closure for safety and operational reasons. The exact nature or details of the welfare concern have not been disclosed by the police to maintain privacy and operational sensitivity.

How are drivers affected by the M61 closure?

Drivers on the M61 have been directed to follow diversions as the police deal with the incident. According to Ground News, the closure of the motorway in both directions has led to traffic disruptions. Motorists are advised to plan for delays and consider alternative routes to avoid the affected section between Horwich and Chorley.

What official statements have been made regarding the closure?

No direct statements from Lancashire Police were quoted in the sources; however, both Blog Preston and Ground News confirm the closure is police-led, indicating an active response to a significant incident requiring public safety measures.

What are the ongoing updates and expected reopening?

Updates on the reopening of the M61 depend on the resolution of the police incident. Motorists are advised to stay tuned to official Lancashire Police channels and traffic news for the latest information on when the motorway will reopen and normal traffic flow will resume.

In summary, Lancashire Police closed the M61 between Horwich and Chorley on August 29, 2025, due to a concern for welfare incident requiring police presence and road closure. Diversions are in place, and traffic disruptions are ongoing as officers manage the situation. Further details remain undisclosed for operational reasons. Motorists should remain alert to updates for the reopening of the motorway.