Woman dies on M6 as drivers warned motorway to be closed ‘all day’
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, resulting in a stretch of the motorway being shut
15:53, 16 Jan 2026
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Traffic is being diverted from the M6 motorway(Image: National Highways)
A woman has tragically lost her life following an incident on the M6. It happened near Haydock this morning (Friday). Greater Manchester Police were alerted at approximately 7.42am on Friday, January 16, due to concerns for a woman's welfare.
The woman sadly passed away at the scene.
Formal identification is still pending, but authorities do not suspect any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
The M6 motorway continues to be shut in both directions on Friday from J23 A580 East Lancashire Road (Haydock) to J26 M58 (Orrell Interchange). All traffic was halted around 8.15am.
National Highways has reported that the closure is leading to 60-minute delays on the northbound carriageway with five miles of congestion. On the southbound direction, there are 30-minute delays and four miles of congestion.
Traffic is being rerouted and drivers have been advised to steer clear of the area, reports the Liverpool Echo[1].
The travel operator said due to the nature of the incident there is currently no estimation for when the motorway will be reopen. It believes the M6 will remain closed throughout the day. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now[2]
National Highways has shared information on diversion routes, see below.
Southbound Diversion - Road users are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs:
o Leave M6 SB at Jct 26.
o At M6 Jct 26/M58 Rbts, take first exit off first Rbt and continue to second Rbt. At second Rbt, take second exit onto M58 WB and follow for 9.5 km.
o Leave M58 at Jct 3 WB.
o At M58 Jct 3/A570 Rbt, take first exit onto A570 SB and follow for 8.8 km.
IN
o At A570/A580 (Windle Island) Jct, turn left onto A580 EB and follow for 9.2 km.
Article continues belowo At A580/M6 Jct 23 turn left onto gyratory and take fourth exit to rejoin M6 SB.
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References
- ^ the Liverpool Echo (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter (www.dailypost.co.uk)