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At a glance

🕐 Last verified 24 Sep, 14:12

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StatusCleared
Severity (NH)Severe
RoadM61
DirectionSouthbound
RegionNorth West England
Category (NH)nhTravelAlert
ReportedThu 24 Sep, 07:51
Cleared14:12
Lasted6h 21m
Road typeMotorway
Speed limit70 mph (variable)
Weather🌤️ Mainly clear
ReferenceREF-26223797
Views193

Times are UK time.

What National Highways say

M61 - Collision

The M61 in Greater Manchester is closed southbound between J4 (M60/ A666) near Bolton and J2 due to a lorry fire and oil spillage.

The official National Highways record of this incident, kept here after the road reopens.

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Live Incident Timeline

1 update captured · 4 affected segments · Cleared

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M61  · Southbound J4-J2 ✓ CLEARED
M61  · Southbound J4 ✓ CLEARED
M61  · Southbound J4-J3 ✓ CLEARED
M61  · Southbound J4-J2 ✓ CLEARED

📋 Your Premium Report includes 1 timestamped update:

✓ Full timestamped update timeline
✓ Green-highlighted changes each update
✓ All 4 affected segments tracked
✓ Expected clear time per segment
✓ Weather & road surface at incident
✓ Emergency services confirmed
✓ Insurance claim checklist
✓ 3 ready-to-use template letters

A police collision report costs £215+ and takes 6–8 months. This report is available within minutes.

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Also on the M61 today

M61 - Incident9h ago

Recent M61 incidents

12 incidents and roadworks logged on the M61 in the last 30 days, 6 of them serious or severe. Times are UK time.

M61 | Lancashire | Carriageway Closure | Expect DelaysWed 22 Jul, 22:36 M61 southbound between J4 and J3 | Southbound | CongestionMon 29 Jun, 07:31 M61 J9 northbound access | Northbound | CongestionFri 26 Jun, 18:25 M61 J9 northbound access | Northbound | CongestionFri 26 Jun, 18:11 M61 southbound between J3 and J2 from M61 | Southbound | CongestionFri 26 Jun, 17:32 link road from M61 J1 to M60 J15 anti-clockwise | Southbound | CongestionThu 25 Jun, 12:51
Every M61 incident

Common questions

Is the M61 closed?

Not because of this vehicle fire. It cleared at 14:12 UK time on Thu 24 Sep. See the M61 right now.

What happened on the M61 on 24 Sep 2026?

Vehicle fire on the M61 southbound in the North West England, reported at 07:51 UK time on Thu 24 Sep. Cleared at 14:12.

How long did it last?

6h 21m, from 07:51 UK time on Thu 24 Sep.

Where can I see everything else on the M61?

The M61 live page shows what is happening now, and the M61 archive has every incident on record.

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