M61 traffic RECAP: Motorway closed near Bolton as man dies on road - M60 also delayed

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-M61 closed both ways between J2 Linnyshaw and J4 Over Hulton after welfare concern

-Greater Manchester Police confirmed a man died at the scene

-Police said there were no suspicious circumstances

-Major delays built up on the M61 and M60 throughout the afternoon

-National Highways issued diversion routes for drivers

-Southbound carriageway reopened first during the afternoon

-Northbound lanes reopened later with delays easing into the evening

As you can see by these images, congestion has eased right off between J2-J4 of the M61.

The M61 has reopened northbound between J2 #Linnyshaw and J4 OverHulton.

There are resulting delays of up to 30 minutes, but these are expected to ease. 

Traffic shows severe congestion between J2 - J4.

Heavy congestion pictured coming off at J3 northbound, M61.

Congestion on the M60 clockwise, affected by closure on the M61.

One lane closed and very slow traffic due to stalled vehicle on M60 clockwise after J15 M61 J1 (Swinton Interchange).

Delays not helped by the closure on the M61.

Current congestion between J2-J4 of the M61 Southbound

-Leave the M61 northbound at junction 2.

-Follow the A666 Kearsley Spur northbound for 2.2 km.

-Leave the A666 Kearsley Spur northbound at A666/A6053 roundabout.

-At A666/A6053 roundabout, take the first exit on to the A6053  northbound and follow for 0.3 km.

-At A6053 /A5082 junction, turn left on to A5082 westbound and follow for 2.9 km.

-At A5082/A6 junction , turn right onto A6 westbound and follow for 2.2 km.

-At A6/Watergate Lane roundabout, take the second exit leading to M61 and follow for 0.5 km.

-At Watergate Lane/M61 junction 4 roundabout, take the first exit and re-join the M61 northbound.

The Southbound carriageway between J4 and J2 has reopened, according to National Highways.

There are delays of up to 30 minutes.

The M61  remains closed northbound between J2 Linnyshaw & J4 OverHulton.

Here is a traffic update from National Highways after the police-led incident on the M61.

Police also said "there are no suspicious circumstances" surrounding the man's death.

Delays are also being reported on the M66. National Highways said lanes 1 (of 2) on the M66 in Lancashire is closed between junction 1 on the A56/A680 and A676 Edenfield due to a spillage from a broken-down vehicle.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M61 today (Friday 8 May 2026). Sadly, a man died at the scene.

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. The motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 2 at Linnyshaw and junction 4 at Over Hulton whilst officers conduct their enquiries."

The M61 is closed both ways between junction 2 at Linnyshaw and junction 4 at Over Hulton.