M6 CLOSED Today: Major Delays After Police-Led Incident Between J23 and J26

Friday, January 16, 2026 · Greater Manchester / North West England

Drivers across Greater Manchester and the wider North West are facing severe disruption this morning after the M6 was closed in both directions between Junction 23 (Haydock) and Junction 26 (Orrell Interchange, M58), with long queues building on approaches and surrounding roads. National Highways said the closure is being managed as a police-led incident, and warned there is currently no confirmed reopening time.

The incident has triggered heavy congestion in both directions, with traffic being moved off the motorway at Junction 23 and delays spreading across local routes near Ashton-in-Makerfield, Haydock, and the M58/M6 interchange. For official traffic updates, National Highways continues to post alerts via its website and channels (National Highways).

What we know so far

• Closure location: M6 closed both ways between J23 (Haydock) and J26 (Orrell / M58).
• Reason: A police-led incident on the M6, with emergency services in attendance.
• Impact: Significant queues and delays on both approaches, with traffic diverted off at J23.
• Estimated duration: Authorities have warned the closure could last for hours and may extend through much of the day.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M6 at around 7:42am. A woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said formal identification has yet to take place and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, while enquiries continue. Updates from the force may be shared through official channels and statements (Greater Manchester Police).

How bad are the delays?

National Highways reported substantial delays on the approach to the closure, with congestion stretching for miles. Northbound, delays have been reported at roughly 45 minutes with around four miles of queuing traffic. Southbound, delays have been reported at roughly 20 minutes with around three miles of congestion.

Drivers are also being urged to expect slower journeys on diversion routes and nearby local roads as traffic filters off the motorway. A separate road closure has been reported in the area as well, adding pressure to alternative routes.

Diversions: what drivers should do

If you’re already on the motorway network, the most reliable approach is to follow the signed diversion symbols on the road rather than relying purely on satnav reroutes (which can send large volumes into smaller residential roads). National Highways has indicated diversion routes for this closure:

Southbound diversion (follow the hollow square symbol)

1. Leave the M6 southbound at Junction 26.
2. At the M6 J26 / M58 roundabouts, take the route onto the M58 westbound.
3. Leave the M58 at Junction 3 and join the A570.
4. Continue to Windle Island, then join the A580 eastbound.
5. Follow the A580 to the M6 Junction 23 gyratory and rejoin the M6 southbound when directed.

Northbound diversion (follow the solid triangle symbol)

Use the same roads in reverse order (A580 → A570 → M58 → M6), following the signed solid triangle diversion symbols on the roadside.

If you’re planning a longer journey today, consider delaying travel until later in the day where possible or switching to rail where convenient, especially for trips into Greater Manchester where local roads may remain busy for hours.

Extra disruption near Warrington

Drivers should also be aware of additional congestion further south near Warrington following a separate crash reported around Junction 21 (Woolston). Traffic has been tailing back toward Junction 21A at the M62 Croft Interchange, compounding delays for anyone travelling through the wider corridor.

What happens next

Road closures of this kind can take time to resolve because emergency services may need to complete enquiries, manage the scene safely, and only then allow National Highways teams to reset traffic management. The key thing for drivers is that even after lanes reopen, it can take a while for stationary queues to clear — so disruption can continue well beyond the official reopening time.

If you’re travelling today, keep checking official updates, and if you must drive, plan fuel and breaks around slow-moving traffic. For more updates and trending transport stories, you can also browse more coverage on Swikblog.

Quick tip: If you’re stuck in a queue, stay in your vehicle unless instructed otherwise, keep a safe distance, and allow emergency vehicles to pass. Avoid switching lanes repeatedly — it often makes queues worse.

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