Police issue tragic update as M61 closed both directions
Officers were called to the motorway at around lunchtime, responding to a concern for welfare. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M61[1] (Friday 8 May 2026). "Sadly, a man died at the scene.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death." The motorway was closed in both directions throughout the day between junction two at Linnyshaw and junction four at Over Hulton[2] whilst officers investigated the tragic circumstances. 
Diversions were put in place with motorists being told to leave the M61 at junction two and rejoin at Watergate Lane. The closure of the motorway caused congestion on the roads around Kearsley and Farnworth[3], with motorists reporting gridlock on the roads. 
On the motorway, there was congestion to junction Horwich as well as long delays on the clockwise M60 back to junction 10 at the Trafford Centre. Some motorists said they were waiting up to two hours to get into Walkden just before the rush hour as motorists avoided the stretch of the motorway. The motorway fully reopened at 5pm.
Police have released no further details about the incident.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen - day or night, 365 days a year.
You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org[4].
References
- ^ M61 (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)
- ^ Over Hulton (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)
- ^ Farnworth (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)
- ^ samaritans.org (samaritans.org)