Live updates: M60 and M62 chaos during rush hour
As the evening rush unfolds, motorists on the M60 and M62 are facing significant disruption following a second incident that has caused persistent queues and lane closures. The incident, which involved a crash and a subsequent breakdown elsewhere on the corridor, has triggered delays extending well into peak travel times.
Motorists are experiencing 60-minute delays as two lanes remain closed on the M60 anticlockwise carriageway between junction 16 (Pendlebury) and junction 17 (Prestwich and Whitefield). The scene has also impacted the M62, with tailbacks stretching past Simister Island toward junction 19 near Heywood and Middleton.
What happened and where
The latest reports indicate a crash near Worsley on the M60 anticlockwise side briefly forced a lane closure near junction 13. Although the vehicles involved have been moved to the hard shoulder, congestion persists due to the ripple effect of the incident and the high volume of traffic at this time of day.
In addition to the crash, a breakdown appears to be affecting traffic on the M60 near the M62 interchange, with two lanes kept closed as crews assess the scene. Highways officers are monitoring the situation and managing diversions where possible to keep traffic moving, but delays remain heavy in both directions around the affected area.
Current conditions and delays
Two lanes on the M60 anticlockwise are closed between J16 and J17, leading to queues back past Simister Island and toward the M62 junction 19. Drivers are reporting long queues on the westbound M62 as well, with congestion growing as the hour advances and the incident scene remains active.
Police and highway crews have been working to clear the initial crash site and move vehicles to safer positions, but the volume of traffic means the backlog will take time to clear. Motorists are advised to expect extended delays and to consider alternative routes or travel times where possible.
What to expect if you’re traveling now
- Expect substantial delays on the M60 and M62 in the westbound and anticlockwise directions.
- Two lanes remain closed on the M60, with traffic slow in both directions as drivers navigate the incident scene.
- Queues are building toward the M61 Kearsley Spur from the M60, intensifying the overall congestion in the region.
- Traffic cameras show layered congestion; crews are on-site assessing the crash and breakdown.
Tips for drivers
- Check live traffic updates before you travel and consider delaying non-essential journeys.
- If you must travel, allow extra time and plan for possible diversions through nearby routes such as the M61 corridor.
- Keep a safe following distance and stay alert for emergency vehicles and lane changes around the incident site.
- Follow real-time guidance from Highways England and local traffic authorities as conditions change.
What comes next
Updates will be provided as officials confirm lane openings and the incident is fully cleared. Once all lanes are reopened and queues subside, motorists can expect a rapid, but non-linear, return to normal traffic flow as drivers complete their journeys after the rush hour window.
