LIVE: M58 CLOSED near M6 junction following 'serious multi-vehicle crash' - traffic updates

A stretch of motorway in Greater Manchester has been closed following a 'serious multi-vehicle collision'. Highways officers have shut the M58 westbound, between the M6 Orrell Interchange near Wigan and junction three for St Helens.

Emergency services have been called out to the scene. Drivers are being urged to find alternative routes.

A spokesperson for National Highways posted on X (formerly Twitter): "The #M58 is CLOSED westbound between #M6 J26 #Near Wigan and J3 near #StHelens due to a serious multi vehicle collision. Emergency services are on scene. More info to follow."

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A Lancashire Police spokesperson added: "Please be aware that the M58 motorway is currently closed between Jct 3 M58 and Jct 26 M6 in both directions following a Road Traffic Collision. Please find an alternative route where possible."

This is a live event. Follow the latest details below.

There is heavy traffic on the M6 Northbound from junction 22 up to junction 26 where the M58 closure starts. According to the National Highways website, traffic is 'not moving' on the M58 between junction 5 and junction 26 of the M6.

Many vehicles are said to be stuck in standstill traffic on the M58. Carole Clarke has posted on X saying that 'hundreds of cars' are 'sat stationary on the M58 for well over an hour in heat'.

Lancashire police has issued the following statement.

** M58 CLOSED **

Good afternoon,

Please be aware that the M58 motorway is currently closed between Jct 3 M58 and Jct 26 M6 in both directions following a Road Traffic Collision.

Please find an alternative route where possible

Many thanks pic.twitter.com/f4o9rxy5YS

Road users are