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.
(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.
(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."
One motorist said she noticed smoke as she came on to St Peter's Way off the roundabout.
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.
⚠️ Delays on A666 St. Peters Way / Kearsley Spur inbound to Bolton.
— Transport for Greater Manchester 🚲🚶🏾♀️ (@OfficialTfGM) March 5, 2021
🔥 This is due to a vehicle fire.
🚨 Emergency services are on scene. Please avoid the area and seek an alternative route.
📲 #TfGMTraffic for further updates. pic.twitter.com/BsLKYnGL5E
🚒 Firefighters are at the scene of a fire involving an LGV on St Peters Way in Bolton
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) March 5, 2021
❌Road closures are in place and people are advised to avoid the area
🚪Residents and businesses in the local area are please asked to keep their windows and doors shut pic.twitter.com/z08p2RFRCy
The #A666 northbound at #J3 (#Kearsley #A666) is currently CLOSED due to a lorry fire. There is no access to the #A666 nb from #A580 , #m60 both directions and the #m61 southbound Traffic Officers & @manchesterfire are currently at the scene. pic.twitter.com/kgYYTk8iv0
— North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) March 5, 2021
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