M61 LIVE updates as two lanes shut after 'substantial' spillage following crash

Drivers are being warned to expect disruption on the M61 after a crash caused a 'substantial' spillage on the road. Highways officers are at the scene of a collision on the southbound carriageway near Bolton this morning (January 13).

It follows a collision between junctions four at Westhoughton and three at Kearsley. Two lanes of traffic are currently closed while emergency works are set to take place.

A National Highways North West spokesperson wrote on X: "2 lanes (of 3) are closed on the #M61 southbound between J4 #Westhoughton & J3 #Kearsley following a substantial hydraulic fluid spillage from a collision. Emergency resurfacing of the carriageway is required and scheduled to take place later today."

There is now 'heavy traffic' approaching the scene, according to the Inrix traffic monitoring system. This is likely to build up ahead of the morning rush hour.

Further details about the collision are yet to be confirmed. Updates will be posted in this blog when they are available.

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

Drivers are now facing 30-minute queues.

An update from Inrix says:

"Long delays and two lanes closed due to oil spillage on M61 Southbound from J4 A6 Watergate Lane (Farnworth) to J3 (Kearsley Spur).

"Travel time is around 30 minutes."

Drivers are facing growing queues on the motorway.

Traffic is currently tailing back to junction six at Aspull, according to National Highways data.

Queues are building on the M61 approaching Manchester after a crash caused a major spillage on the road.

Two lanes are currently shut on the southbound carriageway between junctions four and three, near Bolton.

The issue is likely to cause problems ahead of rush hour this morning.

National Highways says