A major motorway has been shut down in both directions during the busy rush-hour period, and police have issued an update confirming the closure remains in effect. Full closures of this scale are uncommon and typically point to a serious cause — most often a multi-vehicle collision, severe weather such as flooding or ice, or a structural issue with the road or an overpass.
Drivers in the area should expect significant delays, with traffic backing up well beyond the closure points and spilling onto nearby local roads as drivers seek alternate routes. Journey times through the surrounding area may be substantially longer than normal, and diversion routes signed by police and highway authorities are likely to be congested as well.
What drivers should do
If you were planning to travel through this corridor, the practical advice is straightforward: delay your trip if possible, or allow considerable extra time and check live traffic updates before setting out. If you are already approaching the closure, follow official diversion signage rather than improvising a route — rural cut-throughs can quickly become gridlocked and may not be suitable for heavy vehicles.
For those caught in stationary traffic, stay in your vehicle unless directed otherwise by police, keep your engine off during long stops to conserve fuel, and leave gaps for emergency vehicles to pass. Make sure your phone is charged so you can receive updates and let family or employers know about delays.
Police have indicated that updates will continue as the situation develops. Full dual-direction closures usually last several hours at minimum, particularly if a serious incident requires investigation or recovery work before lanes can safely reopen.
This alert is based on the official police update and live road-closure reporting; travel conditions should be verified against your national highways agency or local traffic services before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the motorway closed in both directions at once?
Dual-direction closures usually indicate a serious incident — a major multi-vehicle collision, debris across all lanes, or a hazard such as flooding or a structural problem that makes the whole carriageway unsafe. Police have confirmed the closure but the exact cause may still be under investigation.
How long is the closure likely to last?
Police have not given a firm reopening time. Full closures involving a serious incident typically last several hours, since investigation and vehicle recovery must be completed before lanes can safely reopen.
What should I do if I'm already stuck in the traffic queue?
Stay in your vehicle, switch off the engine during long stationary periods to save fuel, and keep lanes clear for emergency vehicles. Follow police or highways staff instructions if they begin turning traffic around.
Should I take a shortcut on local roads instead?
It's safer to follow the officially signed diversion route, which is chosen to handle the displaced traffic volume. Unofficial shortcuts through small local roads often jam quickly and can leave you worse off than waiting.
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Source: The Bolton News
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