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At a glance

🕐 Last verified 20 Feb, 09:30

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StatusCleared
Severity (NH)Severe
RoadM61
DirectionNorthbound
RegionNorth West
CountyLancashire
Category (NH)Accident
ReportedFri 20 Feb, 08:37
Cleared09:30
Lasted52 min
Road typeMotorway
Speed limit70 mph (variable)
Weather☁️ Overcast
ReferenceREF-6207706

Times are UK time.

What National Highways say

M61 northbound between J8 and J9 | Northbound | Accident

Location : The M61 northbound between junctions J8 and J9 . Reason : Road traffic collision. Status : Currently Active. Time To Clear : The event is expected to clear between 10:15 and 10:30 on 20 February 2026. Return To Normal : Normal traffic conditions are expected between 10:15 and 10:30 on 20 February 2026. Lanes Closed : There are lane closures.

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

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1 update captured · Cleared

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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 crash. It cleared at 09:30 UK time on Fri 20 Feb. See the M61 right now.

What happened on the M61 on 20 Feb 2026?

Crash on the M61 northbound J8 to J9 in Lancashire, reported at 08:37 UK time on Fri 20 Feb. Cleared at 09:30.

How long did it last?

52 min, from 08:37 UK time on Fri 20 Feb.

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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