Motorists are being warned to expect delays after a ‘police incident’ on the M61.
All traffic is being temporarily held on the M61.
Traffic is said to be stopped in both directions between J6 A6027 De Havilland Way ( Horwich ) and J8 A674 Millennium Way (Chorley).
The incident was first reported at 6.10pm.
Lancs Live has contacted Lancashire Constabulary and the North West Ambulance Service for more information.
This is a live blog we will bring you information as we have it.
Melissa Major
Police statement
A Lancashire Police spokesperson confirmed: “Please be advised the M61 is now fully reopen following an earlier incident. Many thanks for your patience.”
Melissa Major
All lanes reopened
All lanes have been said to be reopened. It was reported that the road fully reopened at 7.45pm after being closed for about one hour and a half.
The southbound side of the M61 was opened 10 minutes prior to the northbound.
Melissa Major
Southbound pass through the services
According to Inrix: “The northbound remains fully closed although southbound can pass through the services.”
Melissa Major
Northbound moving slowly, southbound still at a standstill
Twitter users are reporting that the northbound carriageway is moving slowly, however, the southbound carriageway is still at a standstill.
Melissa Major
Closure partially lifted
Lancashire Police has said the road closure has partially lifted.
A spokesperson said: “The earlier closure on the M61 at Rivington services has been partially lifted. There is an up and over diversion in place via the services. Please avoid the area where possible as there are currently long delays. Thanks for your patience”
Melissa Major
Diversion in place
North West Motorway Police have updated people that a diversion is in place.
A spokesperson said: “The M61 on the Lanc’s/GMP border at Rivington is currently closed due to a Police incident – please be patient and follow the diversion.”
Melissa Major
Hour-long delays
Some motorists say they have been stuck in the traffic jam for more than an hour now.
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Major delays
People have taken to Twitter to question what the cause is and say they’ve been stuck in the traffic for some time now.
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National Highways update
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “The #M61 is currently closed in both directions between J8 #Chorley#WhittleLeWoods and J6 #Horwich due to an ongoing @NWmwaypolice led incident. There are long delays in both directions, please use alternative routes”
Melissa Major
AA traffic map
The AA traffic map shows huge delays along the stretch of the M61.
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Severe delays of up to 11 minutes
Severe delays of up to 11 minutes have been reported on the M61 Southbound between J8 A674 Millennium Way (Chorley) and M61 (Rivington Services).
The average speed is said to be ten mph.
Melissa Major
Police update – road closed due to ‘ongoing incident’
Lancashire Police have released a statement on social media that the road is closed in both directions due to an ‘ongoing incident’
A spokesperson for the force said: “Please be advised the M61 at Rivington Services is currently closed in both directions due to an ongoing incident. Please avoid the area and find an alternative route where possible. Thank you.”
Melissa Major
All traffic held
All traffic is currently being held due to the police incident on the M61.
Melissa Major
Emergency services contacted
LancsLive has contacted both Lancashire Constabulary and North West Ambulance Service for further updates.
We’ll let you know as soon as we have more information.
Melissa Major
Traffic queuing
A picture seen by LancsLive shows traffic queueing after the road was closed.
