M61 traffic delays between junction 8 and 6 (Chorley-Bolton) after sheep runs onto motorway

Traffic was brought to a halt on the M61 motorway this morning (5 Deecmber) after a ram ran onto the motorway near Chorley, Drivers were being held on the southbound carriageway between junctions 8 (Chorley) and 6 (Horwich) after the black ram made its way onto the motorway at around 10.30am.

Motorists on both north and southbound carriageways were temporarily held while police were called to help to catch the ram and safely remove it from the motorway. Lancashire Police said the male sheep has now been ‘secured’ and efforts are under way to fully reopen the motorway.

The northbound carriageway has reopened and the southbound is likely to reopen shortly, but there are still delays travelling in both directions. National Highways tweeted: "Traffic has now been released in both directions on the M61 between J6 Bolton and J8 Chorley. There are 3 miles of congestion following this incident in both directions so please allow time for delays to ease.

“Please allow extra travel time if in the area.”