UK Traffic Chaos: M65 Lorry Crash at Junction 4 Causes Major Delays on A666 Blackburn Road and Surrounding Routes

Published on November 30, 2025

An early-morning crash on the M65 motorway has led to significant traffic disruptions around Darwen. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:00 AM in the morning today, involved a lorry that overturned on the westbound exit slip road at Junction 4. As a result, authorities have had to close the slip road temporarily, leading to considerable congestion on surrounding routes.

The closure has triggered long delays, particularly affecting the A666 Blackburn Road, Earcroft Way, and Bolton Road. Commuters are facing major challenges as the traffic system struggles to cope with the sudden increase in volume.

Details of the Incident and Road Closures

The crash, which happened just after 8 AM, involved a lorry that overturned on the M65 slip road heading towards Junction 4 for Darwen. This incident has blocked access for drivers, causing significant disruptions to the flow of traffic in both directions. The resulting closure of the slip road has forced motorists to find alternative routes, further exacerbating the already heavy congestion in the area.

Local traffic reports from the official traffic monitoring service Inrix indicate that the A666 Blackburn Road, particularly the northbound stretch at Bog Height Road, is heavily congested. The delays have extended into the morning commute, as vehicles have been rerouted onto smaller roads such as Earcroft Way and Bolton Road. The ongoing traffic issues are expected to persist until the road is cleared and the scene of the accident is fully examined.

Impact on Local Roads and Commuters

Traffic in the Darwen area, particularly along the A666, has slowed significantly due to the increased volume of vehicles diverted from the closed M65 exit slip road. As vehicles filter into local streets, drivers are experiencing delays not only on the A666 but also on smaller connecting roads like Earcroft Way and Bolton Road. These routes, often used by commuters as shortcuts, are now congested with vehicles looking to bypass the accident scene.

The knock-on effects of this disruption are being felt across nearby routes, causing traffic delays extending beyond Darwen. Motorists planning to travel through the region should expect to face delays, especially during peak traffic hours.

Local authorities are urging commuters to plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety measures and the potential for significant delays when accidents occur on major motorways.

Emergency Services and Road Management

Emergency services, including fire crews, medical teams, and police, have been on the scene since the early hours of the incident. While details of any injuries remain unclear, authorities are focused on clearing the overturned lorry and managing the flow of traffic around the area. The situation is being monitored closely, and updates are being provided to keep commuters informed about the progress of the cleanup and road reopening.

National Highways and local police are working in coordination to manage the road closure and ensure safety during the recovery process. Traffic management teams are on-site to assist with the rerouting of traffic and to minimize disruptions to surrounding areas. Drivers are being advised to check real-time traffic updates through official platforms before setting out to avoid getting caught in the congestion.

Advice for Drivers and Commuters

For those planning to travel through the M65 or the Darwen area today, authorities recommend avoiding the affected routes if possible. The road closure at Junction 4 is expected to remain in place for the duration of the recovery operation, which may extend into the afternoon. Motorists should use alternative routes and check official traffic updates for the latest information on road conditions.

It is also advisable for commuters to consider using public transportation options or carpooling to reduce the volume of traffic on local roads. Local bus services may be affected by the delays, and drivers should factor in additional time for their journey.

Overview

The lorry crash on the M65 slip road at Junction 4 for Darwen has led to significant travel disruptions on November 30, particularly impacting routes like the A666 Blackburn Road, Earcroft Way, and Bolton Road. While the situation is being managed by local authorities and emergency services, the ongoing road closures and traffic delays will likely cause continued disruption throughout the day. Motorists are advised to stay informed via official traffic updates and plan their journeys accordingly.