M61 reopens after crash shuts motorway, tailbacks heading to Manchester

Traffic had been held near southbound junction 5 (Bolton, Westhoughton, A58) whilst the crashed vehicles were recovered from the scene.

But at 8.10am, Highways said the M61 southbound "up & over closure" at junction 5 had been cleared.

North West Motorway Police has confirmed that the crash was due to black ice on the carriageway near Bolton West Services.

The force is urging motorists to take extra care in the icy conditions.

It said: "Our GMP Patrols are dealing with a number of RTC on the M61 - Just by Bolton West Services SB through to the Junction 5 - black ice.

Traffic Officers were called to the stretch of motorway earlier this morning after a crash led to a full carriageway closure between junctions 5 and 6.

Highways say there are still 30 minute delays on the approach to the earlier incident, with slow moving traffic back towards junction 6 at Horwich.

Average speeds on approach to the incident are approximately 45mph, affecting those travelling towards Manchester this morning.

Following the crash, Highways had tweeted: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to recovery work and earlier accident on M61 Southbound at J5 A58 Snydale Way (Westhoughton).

"All traffic held around 7.15am. Affecting traffic towards Manchester."

A yellow weather warning for ice is currently in place for the North West, with the Met Office warning of overnight rain and sleet leading to a risk of icy travel conditions today.

Police are also urging motorists to take extra care and to only make essential journeys.

Transport for Greater Manchester is advising motorists heading to Manchester to allow extra time for their journeys today.

You can keep up-to-date with the morning's traffic news with our live blog.