Key Points
- The M61 motorway was closed in both directions between Junction 8 Chorley and Junction 6 Horwich on Sunday morning, 12 October 2025, due to a police-led incident.
- Emergency services responded to the scene following reports of a multi-vehicle collision, with Lancashire Police confirming the incident involved three vehicles.
- One person sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene, according to a Lancashire Police spokesperson.
- National Highways coordinated the emergency response and confirmed that the closure caused significant traffic disruption across the North West.
- The motorway was partially reopened later in the day, with two lanes restored by mid-morning, though clean-up operations continued into the afternoon.
- Traffic queues extended for several miles, affecting commuters and freight movements between Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
- Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, with Highways England advising of delays lasting up to 45 minutes.
- The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, with police appealing for witnesses to come forward.
- Rivington Services, located between Junctions 6 and 8, remained accessible to stranded motorists during the closure.
- This incident marks the second major disruption on the M61 within six months, following a similar closure in July 2025 due to a spillage.
What Happened on the M61 on 12 October 2025?
As reported by the Lancashire Evening Post, the M61 was shut down in both directions between Junction 8 for Chorley and Junction 6 for Horwich following a serious collision on Sunday morning, 12 October 2025. The closure was implemented at approximately 7:52 AM, as confirmed by Blog Preston via their X (formerly Twitter) account, which cited National Highways’ description of the event as a “police-led incident”. The nature of the incident was not immediately disclosed, but emergency services were dispatched swiftly to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
How Did Authorities Respond to the Incident?
Lancashire Police confirmed that the collision involved three vehicles and occurred on the northbound carriageway between Rivington Services and Junction 8. A police spokesperson stated:
“We received a call at 2:45 AM regarding northbound carriageway of the M61 between Rivington Services and junction eight. Emergency services arrived and discovered that three vehicles had collided, resulting in one person suffering minor injuries”.
The injured individual was treated at the scene and did not require hospitalisation, according to the statement.
National Highways worked alongside Lancashire Police and fire crews to secure the area and facilitate recovery operations. By 6:50 AM, two lanes of traffic had reopened, allowing for gradual restoration of flow, though one lane remained closed throughout the afternoon to address debris and fluid spillage from the damaged vehicles. A spokesperson for National Highways said:
“Preparations are in now in place to release traffic on the #M61 in both directions between J8 Chorley and J6 Horwich following a police-led incident”.
What Was the Impact on Traffic and Commuters?
The closure caused extensive delays across the North West motorway network, with traffic queues stretching for miles in both directions. Motorists reported journey times increasing by up to 45 minutes, particularly those travelling between Manchester and Preston. The AA Roadwatch service advised drivers to avoid the M61 entirely and use alternative routes such as the A6 or A677, which also experienced congestion due to diverted traffic.
Local news outlet Blog Preston noted that the incident occurred during a peak travel period, exacerbating delays for weekend commuters and freight vehicles. The absence of a Junction 7 on the M61, a known design quirk, limited diversion options and contributed to bottlenecks at adjacent junctions. Rivington Services, the only motorway service station on the M61, remained open and provided shelter and amenities for stranded drivers during the prolonged closure.
Have There Been Similar Incidents on the M61 Recently?
This incident follows a previous closure on the M61 in July 2025, when a three-vehicle crash near Bolton resulted in one person sustaining minor injuries and a prolonged clean-up operation. In that case, authorities also reported a spillage that required hazardous materials teams to secure the carriageway, leading to a full-day disruption. The recurrence of serious incidents on this stretch of motorway has raised concerns among local residents and transport officials about road safety and infrastructure resilience.
Historically, the Kearsley junction area of the M61 has been identified as an accident hotspot, prompting Highways England to install additional signage in past years to improve driver awareness. Despite these measures, collisions continue to occur, particularly during early morning hours when visibility is reduced and traffic volumes are lower, potentially leading to higher speeds.
What Are the Long-Term Plans for the M61?
Looking ahead, there are ongoing discussions about a proposed £132 million road network investment programme that could significantly upgrade the M61 corridor. As reported by the RAC, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, in collaboration with Bolton Council and Wigan Council, has put forward plans to improve connectivity between Junction 26 of the M6 and Junction 5 of the M61. If approved, the project could alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and support regional economic growth by improving freight efficiency.
However, no definitive timeline has been announced, and funding remains subject to government approval. In the interim, National Highways continues to monitor traffic patterns and conduct routine maintenance to minimise disruptions. The agency advises drivers to check real-time updates via the Traffic England website or mobile app before travelling.
What Should Drivers Do in the Event of Future Closures?
Authorities recommend that motorists plan journeys in advance, especially during weekends and adverse weather conditions. Real-time traffic information is available through services such as Traffic England, the AA Roadwatch, and local news outlets like Blog Preston and the Lancashire Evening Post. Drivers are also encouraged to follow National Highways’ official X account for immediate updates on closures, delays, and diversions.
In the event of an incident, witnesses are urged to contact Lancashire Police on 101 and quote the relevant log number—0190 in this case—to assist with investigations. Prompt reporting can aid in reconstructing events and improving road safety measures in the future.