Overview
- An HGV travelling southbound spilled oil across lanes one and two for about 2km, prompting a full closure of the M61 between Junction 4 (A6/Watergate Lane) and Junction 2 (M60/Worsley) to allow a safe clean-up.
- National Highways said the spill occurred at about 8:20am on Thursday and caused delays of roughly 35 minutes with around three miles of congestion as traffic officers set up diversion routes.
- A separate car fire between Junctions 5 and 4 was attended by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service at about 9:30am, was extinguished with no injuries, and has been confirmed as unrelated to the oil spill.
- The HGV has been recovered and road‑cleaning units including two sweepers and a sander plus specialist equipment are on site, but the carriageway remained closed while crews complete the removal of the contamination.
- Motorists should follow the signed solid-circle diversion from J4, expect delays, and check National Highways updates before travelling because local roads are likely to face knock-on congestion.