M61 drivers stuck in huge queues with delays of nearly an hour

There were queues stretching more than five miles and delays of nearly an hour after motorway roadworks overran on Friday morning.

A section of the southbound M61 and both link roads from the motorway to the the M60 was closed overnight whilst work was carried out. That was due to be completed, and the stretch between junction 2 and junction 1, re-opened at 6am, ahead of rush hour.

However, the work has overrun causing long queues and knock-on delays on surrounding routes. According to the traffic service Inrix, the delay to the work has been caused by machinery breaking down.

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The road re-opened at 8am but was already causing long delays.

"The M61 southbound is closed from J2 to the M60. Both link roads from the M61 to the M60 are closed due to overrunning roadworks" the organisation formerly known as the Highways Agency said on Twitter. "These are now expected to be completed by 08:00."

In an update at 8am, they said: "All lanes have now re-opened on the #M61 southbound between J4 and J3 following over running road works. There are currently 20 minute delays and approx. 4 miles of congestion. Thank you for your patience. Have a safe onward journey."

Queues are also being reported on St Peters Way back to Moses Gate in Bolton as well as on Worsley Road and Walkden Road approaching the M60.

On the M60 one is closed on the clockwise stretch near junction 15 the Swinton Interchange leading to slow traffic and congestion back to junction 11 for Barton. There are also delays on the M62 heading towards Manchester.

The exit slip road to the M60 on the A580 East Lancs Road in Worsley is also