M6 closed both ways after woman dies amid GMP-led incident near Wigan
The M6 is closed both ways with major delays after a woman died following a 'police-led incident' near Wigan this morning.
Greater Manchester Police said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene following a concern for welfare incident on the southbound carriageway between J25 and J24 near Ashton-in-Makerfield.
Traffic was stopped between J26 for the M58 junction and J23 at Haydock and National Highways warns the motorway is expected to 'remain closed for some time’.
Drivers are being warned to expect major disruption after the motorway was closed in both directions, with heavy delays on approach both northbound and southbound.
Police statement
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M6 at around 7.42am this morning (Friday, January 16).
“Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has yet to take place but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
“Junctions 23-26 are currently closed both north and southbound which is causing significant disruption and we would encourage a review of travel plans and ask for patience as emergency services conduct their enquiries.”
Diversions
Southbound Diversion - Road users are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs:
- Leave M6 SB at Jct 26.
- At M6 Jct 26/M58 Rbts, take first exit off first Rbt and continue to second Rbt. At second Rbt, take second exit onto M58 WB and follow for 9.5 km.
- Leave M58 at Jct 3 WB.
- At M58 Jct 3/A570 Rbt, take first exit onto A570 SB and follow for 8.8 km. IN
- At A570/A580 (Windle Island) Jct, turn left onto A580 EB and follow for 9.2 km.
- At A580/M6 Jct 23 turn left onto gyratory and take fourth exit to rejoin M6 SB.
Northbound Diversion - Road users are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs:
- Use the above roads, in reverse order.
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