Overview of the incident
Motorists faced substantial disruption on the M62 this morning after a crash caused a complete standstill on the eastbound carriageway. The incident, reported around 7am, led to traffic being fully held from junction 22 for Rishworth Moor to junction 23 for Huddersfield. By 7:30am, the lanes had begun to reopen, but drivers were warned to expect ongoing delays as congestion slowly cleared.
Impact on eastbound traffic
With the eastbound side of the M62 still recovering, queues extended for miles as vehicles inched forward. Early reports indicated that two lanes on the eastbound approach were affected, forcing authorities to halt all movement for a significant period. The disruption affected commute times for hundreds of drivers and created knock-on effects for routes feeding onto the M62 from neighboring towns.
Westbound delays and secondary issues
In addition to the eastbound closure, two lanes were also shut on the westbound side in the same area. While the westbound traffic began to move more slowly as the morning progressed, persistent queuing remained evident, suggesting a broader impact on the highway network in the region.
Current status and advice for drivers
As of the latest updates, the eastbound lanes have reopened, but delays persist with travel times extending by roughly an hour in affected sections. Motorists are advised to:
- Plan for extended journeys and consider alternate routes where possible.
- Allow extra time for travel and follow live traffic updates from local services.
- Exercise caution when lane changes are reintroduced as the scene settles.
What caused the disruption?
Details on the crash are still emerging. Emergency services typically respond quickly to such incidents, with road crews and traffic monitors coordinating to reopen lanes as safely as possible. Investigators will likely review the scene to determine the cause, which may influence any subsequent road safety advisories or temporary speed restrictions in the area.
Community reaction and next steps
Drivers affected by the delay are sharing experiences across social media and local news groups. The Manchester Evening News is providing live coverage, and readers are encouraged to join the local WhatsApp group for timely updates. As the situation evolves, updates from traffic authorities will help guide motorists through the best available routes and timelines for clearing the backlog.
Looking ahead
Once the scene is cleared, residual congestion typically clears gradually as drivers return to normal patterns. Authorities will monitor the M62 for any secondary incidents and adjust traffic management accordingly to prevent a repeat of the morning’s disruption. For those commuting through the Huddersfield and Rishworth Moor corridor, staying informed via official traffic services remains essential.
