M61 Drivers Face 11 Weeks of Disruption as Major Works Begin

M61 northbound between junctions 4 and 5 near Bolton will see 11 weeks of overnight lane and full carriageway closures for essential repairs, causing delays until September 30, 2026.

Brit Brief 08/07/2026 09:49

M61 Drivers Face 11 Weeks of Disruption as Major Works Begin — M61 Drivers Face 11 Weeks of Disruption from Major Works

Motorists travelling north on the M61 near Bolton face 11 weeks of disruption as National Highways begins extensive repairs and maintenance on the northbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 5. The project, which started this week, will run until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, involving overnight lane closures from 9pm to 6am on Monday to Friday nights, with possible weekend night disruption.

Full Carriageway Closures Planned

Occasional full northbound carriageway closures between junctions 4 and 5 will also be required overnight. During these closures, drivers will be diverted via a signed route using the A6 Salford Road and Manchester Road. National Highways advises motorists to allow extra time for their journeys during the daily overnight works.

Essential Repairs and Maintenance

A spokesman for National Highways said: “We’re carrying out essential repairs on the M61 northbound carriageway, between junctions 4 and 5, near Over Hulton. Our work involves resurfacing, replacing road markings, traffic sensors, traffic signs, bridge joints and clearing vegetation.” The works are scheduled for 11 weeks, with the majority carried out under lane closures and slip road closures.

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The spokesman added: “Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.”