M65 traffic RECAP: Hour-long delays after seven-vehicle crash in Lancashire
Drivers faced chaos after a seven-vehicle crash[1] closed a section of the M65[2] this evening. Emergency services were at the scene of the multi-vehicle incident[3], which occurred on the westbound carriageway at J3 for Blackburn West/Wheelton. According the National Highways North West, there were "at least seven vehicles" involved in the collision.
18:37Joe SmithNational Highways warns delays to last another hour
Two lanes remain closed on the M65 westbound at junction J3, according to National Highways traffic updates.
Latest estimates say the event is expected to clear between 7:15pm and 7:30pm. Meanwhile drivers were warned that there are currently delays of 50 minutes against expected traffic.
18:17Joe SmithTailbacks lengthen amid 'severe' delays
Traffic monitoring service Inrix said in its latest update: "M65 Westbound closed, severe delays due to accident at J3 A674 Chorley Road (Blackburn West / Wheelton). Congestion to J5 (Guide / Shadsworth).
Also slow on the other side due to onlookers. "On-going since around 16:30."
17:43Joe SmithTraffic also slow on eastbound carriageway
Traffic is also moving slowly on the eastbound carriageway.
17:35Joe SmithMap shows severe delays between J6 and J3
Here is the latest traffic map of the area near the crash. The AA are reporting "severe delays" westbound between J6 and J3 as well as delays eastbound between J1 and J4.
There are long tailbacks (Google Maps)17:31Joe Smith
Police alerted at 4.20pm
Lancashire Police said it was alerted to the crash at 4.20pm.
The force says six vehicles were involved with no details of damage or injuries yet. National Highways previously reported that the incident 'involves at least seven vehicles'.
17:29KEY EVENTDrivers warned of six-mile tailbacks and delays of an hour
The M65 has been closed with the entire westbound carriageway shut to traffic within the J3 Brimmicroft Interchange near Blackburn due to a collision involving at least 7 vehicles, National Highways North West has said. The agency added that all emergency services are on scene meanwhile traffic is being diverted via the exit & entry slip roads.
Drivers have been warned to expect delays of an hour or more as tailbacks reached six miles from the site of the incident. Meanwhile traffic monitoring service Inrix said: "M65 Westbound closed, long delays due to accident at J3 A674 Chorley Road (Blackburn West / Wheelton). Congestion to J4 (Darwen / Blackburn South).
Also slow on the other side due to onlookers.
Initially reported as an obstruction, sources now confirm this to be an accident."