A 24-year-old woman has died after being hit by a HGV on the M61 in the early hours of this morning.
The woman was driving along the northbound M61 at around 3.30am when she crashed into the central reservation, in what police described as a 'minor' collision.
As she got out to check the damage to her Ford Fiesta, she was then hit by a heavy goods vehicle, a GMP spokesman confirmed.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Constable Paul Hailwood of the Greater Manchester Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “I would like to extend my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of this young woman.
“We currently have specially trained officers working to provide them with any support they need at this tragic time.
“We are appealing for anybody with information to please come forward and contact police.”
Anybody with information should contact the GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4742.
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) July 4, 2016
The M61 northbound has been shut between junctions four (Farnworth) and five (Westhoughton).
Diversions are in place and drivers have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys this morning.
It is estimated that it could take until 10.30am for the road to fully re-open.
A Highways England spokesman said: "The M61 remains closed northbound between J4 and J5 near Bolton due to a serious collision which occurred overnight. This morning there are approaching queues after J3 near Farnworth.
Due to the M61 being shut Northbound, all routes in Bolton are severely delayed. Please stay at your stops!
— Tyrers Coaches (@Tyrerscoaches) July 4, 2016
"A diversion is available with traffic advised to follow the 'solid black triangle' symbol, which routes traffic to leave the M61 at J4, via the A6 north-west bound and the A58 north-east bound, which returns traffic to re-join the M61 at J5.
"Customers may wish to consider alternative routes and should allow extra time for your journey."
M61 Northbound now re open thank you for your patience
— NW Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) July 4, 2016
The motorway reopened at about 11am.
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