POLICE have confirmed that a woman was found dead on the M6 this morning.

The incident on the M6 in Greater Manchester happened between junction 27 at Standish and and junction 26 at Skelmersdale at about 2pm.

Police initially said they were responding to reports of a "person falling from a bridge" and have since confirmed a woman has died.

A section of the motorway is closed while a police investigation takes place.

Police statement

In a statement, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At around 1.25am this morning Friday August 16 2024, we were called to the junction 27 of the M6 for a concern for welfare of a female.

"We attended the scene and sadly discovered the body of the female.

"The M6 southbound between junction 27 and 26 is closed while officers continue with their investigations.

"Significant delays are to be expected in the area for the immediate future. Thank you for your patience at this time.

"If anyone has any information about this incident or any footage, including dashcam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage is asked to call 101 quoting log number 171 of 16/08/2024."

 

There is currently no estimated time available for when the M6 southbound between J27 and J26 can open.

There are live updates on the travel disruption here.

Diversion routes

Road users are advised to follow the 'Solid Square' diversion symbol on local road signs: 

Non-HGV route includes a low railway bridge 12'0" (3.6m) and narrow canal bridge.

Leave the M6 at J27.

At the roundabout take the first exit and join the A5209. Follow the A5209.

At the junction with the B5206 turn right onto the B5206 southbound (Shevington Lane).

At the junction with the A577 turn left and join the A577 eastbound (Orrel Road).

At M6 J26 turn right onto the access road.

At the roundabout take the first exit and re-join the M6 south.

HGV route

Leave the M6 at J27.

At the roundabout take the first exit and join the A5209. Follow the A5209.

At the junction with the A49 turn right and join the A49 southbound (Wigan Road).

At the A49/Saddle Gyratory, join the A577 westbound (Ormskirk Road).

At M6 J26 turn right onto the access road.

At the roundabout take the first exit and re-join the M6 south.