A stretch of the East Lancashire Road (A580) near Wigan has fully reopened after being closed overnight due to a police incident. The major route connecting Greater Manchester and Merseyside was shut in both directions between Millfield Lane and the M6 junction at Haydock from around 11pm on Monday evening.
According to traffic alert service Inrix, the closure was initially implemented on both carriageways. By Tuesday morning, the westbound side remained closed from the M6 junction (J23) to Kenyons Lane South, while the eastbound side had reopened. Traffic maps showed congestion building up near the closure and in surrounding areas during the morning rush hour.
The road was fully reopened at approximately 7.45am, and traffic conditions are now returning to normal. Merseyside Police have been contacted for further details regarding the incident but have not yet provided additional information.
Timeline of Events
The incident unfolded late Monday evening, with emergency crews first called around 11pm. The closure remained in place throughout the night and into the early morning hours.
- 11pm Monday: East Lancs Road closed in both directions near Wigan.
- 6:21am Tuesday: Closure confirmed as police incident.
- 7:36am: Merseyside Police contacted for details.
- 7:53am: Road fully reopened; traffic returning to normal.
The A580 is a key arterial route, and the closure caused significant disruption for early morning commuters. Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes until the road was cleared.
