A significant incident has unfolded on the M60, causing major traffic disruptions that drivers will not soon forget. This morning, February 4, during the busy rush hour, traffic was halted following a collision involving six vehicles in the outside lane, specifically between junctions 16 at Pendlebury and 17 at Prestwich, as reported by Greater Manchester Police. Fortunately, all occupants of the cars managed to exit safely, and there were no reported injuries from the crash, but emergency services, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, were quickly dispatched to handle the situation. At this time, there have been no arrests related to the incident.
While traffic has resumed moving, one lane remains closed due to ongoing emergency operations at the scene. According to Inrix, a traffic monitoring service, congestion has been significant, with queues extending back to junction 12 at the M602. Furthermore, delays are also being experienced on the opposite side of the motorway as traffic passes the accident site. The impact of this crash can be felt beyond just the immediate area: motorists on the M62 westbound are facing tailbacks to junction 19, and those approaching Simister Island on the M60 anticlockwise near Heaton Park are encountering delays as well. In addition, the M62 eastbound and M61 southbound are seeing increased traffic as they near the M60.
National Highways North West provided an update via their social media, stating: "One of four lanes is closed on the #M60 clockwise between Junction 16 (#Clifton) and Junction 17 (#Prestwich) due to the collision involving multiple vehicles. All emergency services are present at the scene, and delays are exceeding 30 minutes with approximately four miles of congestion reported."
This situation is still developing, and we’ll keep you updated with the latest information as it comes in.
Key Updates
- 09:03 AM: Confirmation of the six-car pile-up made by Greater Manchester Police. All individuals involved exited their vehicles without injury, and first responders are managing the scene.
- 08:45 AM: Heavy traffic noted across three motorways, with queues on the clockwise side of the M60 reaching junction 11 at Eccles and stretching back to Simister Island on the anticlockwise route.
- 08:26 AM: Emergency crews are actively working at the crash site. Currently, one lane on the M60 is closed while responders manage the aftermath of the accident.
- 08:25 AM: Traffic has begun moving again on the M60 clockwise, although one lane remains obstructed.
- 08:17 AM: Continued reports of long queues on the M60 and adjacent motorways due to the earlier incident.
- 08:16 AM: Initial reports indicated that all traffic had been stopped on part of the M60 following the crash, with significant backups reported to the M602 at junction 12. Drivers on both sides of the motorway have faced delays, as traffic continues to build up leading to junction 19 on the M62 at Heywood.
