MOTORISTS are being warned of delays on St Peter's Way after a vehicle fire.

The Highways Agency has said confirmed the A666 northbound is shut due to a lorry fire.

This has led to queuing traffic in the area,  from the M61, Kearsley roundabout to Manchester Road, in Moses Gate.

Drivers are being warned there is no access to the A666 St Peter's Way from the M60 in both directions or the M61 southbound. Congestion is also reported to the M60 Swinton Interchange.

The Bolton News:

(Picture North West Motorway Police)

The road was initially expected to be closed for an hour, but now it looks as if it will be closed into the evening.

Crews from across Bolton, including from Bolton Central Fire Station are currently on the scene.

The fire service said the lorry carrying mattresses was well alight as crews arrived onto the scene.

The Bolton News:

(Picture GMFRS)

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue is urging residents and businesses nearby to keep their doors and windows shut because of thick plumes of smoke.

In a statement the fire service said: "Firefighters are currently tackling a fire involving an LGV on St Peter’s Way in Bolton.

"Four fire engines and an aerial appliance were called to the scene at approximately 5.05pm.

"The vehicle, which was carrying mattresses, was well alight when fire crews arrived to the scene. Firefighters are using jets, breathing apparatus and ladders to bring the fire under control.

"The incident is causing a large plume of smoke and road closures are in place. People are please advised to avoid the area and local residents are asked to keep their windows and doors shut."

The Bolton News:

One motorist said she noticed smoke as she came on to St Peter's Way off the roundabout.

The Bolton News:

She said:"There were two fire engines going the same way as us and when we saw it, it was properly on fire. They were letting us go past slowly  and we were probably stuck for an hour and 45 minutes.

"Then they closed the road.

"I didn't know what was in the lorry but it seemed they were really battling to control the fire."

The motorist said she hopes  that no one was seriously hurt in the blaze.