Motorists heading toward Bolton from the M60 experienced severe delays this afternoon after a tree fell onto the road.

A lane of the A666 near the exit to Farnworth and Kearsley was closed for around an hour after the incident.

Drivers were directed into the right-hand lane while police cordoned off the left lane and work was done to clear the area.

The incident was first reported at around 1.30pm.

The Bolton News: Traffic was delayed

At 2.30pm Bolton Council confirmed the road had fully reopened after the tree had been removed from the A666.

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Traffic was reduced to a standstill from before the exit to Farnworth and Kearsley.

The incident took place just before the sign welcoming drivers to Bolton.

The Bolton News: The traffic jam which resulted

The tree was chopped into different pieces to be removed from the road and onto the grass verge.

Cllr John Walsh was driving when he noticed that the tree had come crashing down, blocking the road.
He told The Bolton News at the time: “There is a tree lying across the carriageway as you come down from Farnworth on St Peter’s Way, northbound heading into Bolton. 
"There is a tree blocking  one lane. 
"Police are on site and it is causing quite severe congestion on the M61.”

The Bolton News: Police were on the scene

The incident took place during a period of bad weather.

Gusty winds and light showers have been affecting Bolton, however the rain is predicted to end at around 6pm tonight.