Overview
- Police closed the M61 northbound between Junction 2 (M60) and Junction 4 (Farnworth) after a welfare call at about 03:25 on Friday and a man was taken to hospital.
- The carriageway stayed shut for roughly six hours and National Highways confirmed it fully reopened at 09:19 with all lanes and approaches clear by about 09:30.
- The incident location prevented use of the official diversion route from Junction 2, so traffic was routed onto local roads and drivers experienced heavier-than-normal delays of around ten minutes on approaches.
- National Highways traffic officers and Greater Manchester Police remained on scene while investigators attended, but authorities have released no further details about the man’s condition.
- Police welfare calls on motorways can require full carriageway closures when official diversions are unsafe, and motorists were advised to check National Highways updates or allow extra time for journeys.