According to the traffic management website Inrix, the M61 motorway to the north has been completely blocked after a car transporter overturned. The road has been closed since 12.50 pm after the collision, with some of the cars falling from the carrier and the highway. Two lanes of the road facing south, lanes two and three, have also been closed after the incident. The accident happened between junction six for Horwitch and junction eight for Chorley, with queues forming quickly up to junction four for Farnworth. All traffic is diverted via the solid triangle diversion route, via Blackrod, Adlington and Chorley using the A6. Highways in England expect the southbound motorway to be cleared by 3pm, with drivers facing about 40 minutes of delays. The motorway heading north is expected to reopen at 3.30pm, with all traffic being withdrawn from the motorway at junction six. Emergency services are on the spot. Watch live coverage of this event below.
