The M61 is running normally in both directions.
The M61 is running normally. Nothing is reported in the National Highways feed right now.
Updated at 07:22 · refreshes every 5 min
No. Nothing unplanned is reported on the M61 right now: no collisions, breakdowns or obstructions in the National Highways feed. Nothing unplanned has been reported and cleared on the M61 since midnight either.
M61 accidents →The M61 stays open tonight, but 4 lane or slip road closures are planned, so expect narrower lanes or a shut slip at those junctions.
M61 closures tonight →No. Nothing is planned to close on the M61 this weekend.
M61 closures this weekend →No closures, collisions or restrictions in the feed right now. Planned works for the days ahead are below.
M61 southbound between J5 and J4
M61 J8 northbound exit
M61 southbound between J8 and J6
M61 southbound between J8 and J6
Powered by National Highways’ Transport Data Feeds
The M61 is slowest around 07:00, averaging 49.6 mph against 56 mph when it is clear. Traffic is heaviest around 16:00.
Typical weekday pattern from 5 National Highways roadside sensors along the route, June 2026. Bar height is traffic volume, colour is average speed. Overnight hours carry too little traffic to judge, so they are shown as quiet.
Junction data © OpenStreetMap contributors
The M61 cuts the corner between Manchester and Preston, linking the M60 and M62 with the M6 north. The Worsley Braided Interchange at its southern end is one of the most complicated junctions in the country and generates most of the route's congestion. Live incidents and closures refresh every 5 minutes.