Overview of the M60 Closure
Emergency services remain at the scene after a serious collision on the M60, causing a full closure of the motorway in both directions between J15 (M61) and J16 (Swinton) in Greater Manchester. National Highways confirmed the incident involves a car and a motorbike, with police carrying out collision investigation work. The closure is expected to last for several hours, and motorists are being advised to avoid the area if possible.
What Happened and Where
According to the latest reports, the incident occurred on the clockwise carriageway, but the disruption has now extended to both directions. Inrix traffic data notes the blocking spans from J15 M61 J1 (Swinton Interchange) to J16 A666 Manchester Road (Pendlebury). As the scene develops, blue lights and emergency responders can be seen at the scene, underscoring the severity of the crash.
Impact on Traffic and Delays
With both carriageways closed, traffic has ground to a halt, and motorists are experiencing miles of congestion. National Highways says all traffic on the affected section is being held while the investigation and incident response continues. Early estimates suggest the closure will persist for several hours, with diversions likely to be put in place to manage the flow of vehicles around the area.
Photographs from the scene illustrate the scale of the disruption, with motorway cameras showing congestion stretching back to around the Trafford Centre area on the clockwise route. The situation is contributing to heavy delays in the wider Manchester area as vehicles search for alternative routes and local roads become congested.
What Drivers Should Do
If you’re in the area, stay with police directions and official updates from National Highways. For those approaching the M60 from the M61 or surrounding routes, consider the following steps:
- Follow diversion routes as advised by authorities and traffic services.
- Check live traffic updates before you travel and allow extra time for your journey.
- Plan alternative routes using A-roads to bypass the closure where feasible.
- Remain patient and avoid attempting risky overtakes or lane changes near the crash site.
Resumption of Normal Traffic and Further Updates
As responders work to clear the scene, the timeline for reopening remains uncertain. National Highways has indicated that the late-evening period could bring a slow return to normal traffic levels, but motorists should expect continued disruption while police complete the collision investigation and recovery operations. We will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
Advice for Daily Commuters
Commuters who regularly travel the M60 should prepare for ongoing disruption in the coming hours. If your journey involves Swinton, Pendlebury, or the Trafford area, consider leaving earlier or postponing non-essential travel in the meantime. For those with flexibility, working remotely or adjusting schedules could help reduce the strain on local roads.
Conclusion
The M60 shutdown exemplifies how a single serious crash can halt a major artery and ripple across the region’s traffic patterns. Emergency services remain on scene, and drivers are urged to follow official updates and plan alternative routes as the investigation and recovery operations proceed.
