The M61 motorway in Greater Manchester has been shut down northbound between junctions 9 and 30 following a serious crash that occurred early in the morning. Emergency services, including Lancashire Police, have responded to the incident, which is expected to keep the road closed for several hours. Normal traffic conditions are anticipated to return by approximately 11:30 AM today, as reported by National Highways.

Motorists traveling in the area are facing significant delays, with traffic queuing towards Chorley due to the closure and the implementation of a diversion route. The crash has led to warnings about slow-moving traffic as vehicles are forced to navigate alternate routes. The situation underscores the impact of road incidents on peak travel times during rush hour, prompting local authorities to manage traffic flow as effectively as possible.

As this is a live news story, updates are expected to be provided throughout the morning as more information becomes available regarding the crash investigation and road conditions. The situation illustrates the importance of road safety and swift emergency response in managing serious traffic incidents on major motorways.