M60: long delays after ‘police incident’ on motorway

The M60 Junction 23 Ashton-Under-Lyne was closed in both directions this evening with a heavy police presence.

There was congestion going clockwise back to the M60 J22 Failsworth and anticlockwise back to M60 J25 Brinnington.

Diversions were in place via exit and entry slip-roads.

Though the incident has cleared there are still expected to be delays of up to 45 minutes.

A tweet from the National Highways: North West said: “The #M60 within J23 (Ashton-under-Lyne) has reopened in both directions following the earlier @NWmwaypolice incident.

“We’re still reporting delays of up to 45 minutes on approach anti-clockwise. Please allow extra time for your journey this evening.”

Earlier, it was reported that police were at the junction and delays were up to an hour.

Highways information site INRIX stated: “M60 both ways closed, queueing traffic due to police incident at J23 A635 Manchester Road (Ashton Under Lyne).

“Congestion to clockwise back to the M60 J22(Failsworth) and anticlockwise back to M60 J25 (Brinnington). Diversion: Via the exit and entry slips.”

The Bee Network Twitter page also posted about the incident as it affected traffic for the buses A635 Manchester Road and A6140 Moss Way as traffic diverted.

The incident continued to cause traffic chaos for three hours as traffic eases slightly now, but drivers are warned this area is still congested.

GMP have been contacted for a comment.