M6 traffic LIVE updates as motorway shut after woman found dead

The M6 has been closed after a woman was tragically found dead on the motorway in Greater Manchester. All traffic was stopped on the motorway between junctions 26 at the M58 Orrell Interchange and junction 23 at the East Lancs Road this morning (January 16). Greater Manchester Police says it was called out to concerns for a woman's welfare at 7.42am.

She was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The motorway was initially closed in both directions. However the northbound carriageway reopened shortly before 4pm, with the southbound carriageway still shut.

A GMP spokesperson said: "Officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M6 at around 7:42am this morning (Friday, January 16 2026). Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. "Formal identification has yet to take place but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

Downall Green Road, in Ashton-in-Makerfield, is also closed in connection with the same incident. National Highways says the M6 is likely to remain closed near Wigan throughout the day, with a diversion in place along the M58, the A570 Rainford Bypass and the A580 East Lancs Road. A National Highways spokesperson said: "The M6 in Greater Manchester is closed southbound from J26 (Orrell #M58 Junction) to J23 (Haydock) due to a Police led incident.

The northbound carriageway has been reopened with lane 4 of (4) remaining closed to assist the emergency services at the scene. "Greater Manchester Police remain on scene and are leading the response at this stage with National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors assisting with strategic closures on the approach. "Delays on the approach to both closure points have eased, but are expected to rise (again) later today.

Traffic caught within the closure has now been cleared. Due to the nature of the incident there is currently no estimation for when the road will be reopen. We currently believe the M6 will remain closed throughout the day."

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