M60 shut for 12 HOURS near Trafford Centre after lorry overturns in Storm Pia
The M60 was closed for 12 hours on Thursday (December 21) near the Trafford[1] Centre after a lorry dramatically overturned[2] in strong Storm Pia winds.
The motorway was closed initially in both directions on Thursday morning, over Barton[3] Bridge, between Junction 10 and Junction 11 after the dramatic crash, which saw the huge HGV topple over onto its side.
The collision caused emergency services, including paramedics and motorway police to the scene at around 8.30am. No injuries were reported.
The anticlockwise carriageway later reopened, however the other side of the motorway was closed throughout the entire day while the vehicle was recovered, with diversions in place.
The crash also caused damage to overhead gantry signage which was being repaired late into Thursday night, with all lanes remaining closed and blocked off by police. The motorway eventually reopened at around 9.50pm.
M60 shut for 12 HOURS near Trafford Centre after lorry overturns in Storm Pia
The closure and subsequent diversion caused traffic to spill out onto nearby roads, which caused gridlocked traffic[6] for those shopping at the Trafford Centre and Trafford Retail Park. People reported being stuck for over three hours[7] trying to leave car parks in the area.
Following the crash, drivers were urged to avoid the area and told they 'should not travel unless essential' on the M60[8] amid the emergency services response. As of 9pm on Thursday, the carriageway was still closed with motorway police at the scene.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police[9] said on Thursday morning: "Police are currently responding to an ongoing incident on junction 10 of the M60 motorway, near Barton Bridge. A lorry has overturned, and no injuries have been reported.
"NWAS and GMFRS are also in attendance to assist with vehicle recovery. Barton Bridge has been closed clockwise between the Trafford Centre at Junction 10 and Eccles[10] Junction 11.
"Road closures are likely to cause disruption to motorists this morning. The anticlockwise flow has reduced significantly and will cause delays to the Trafford Centre. Alternative routes are advised."
References
- ^ Trafford (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ lorry dramatically overturned (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Barton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ M60 closed after lorry overturns in Storm Pia winds with huge traffic delays (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Chaos at Trafford Retail Park as shoppers stuck in 'nightmare' queues for over THREE hours trying to get out as M60 closed (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ caused gridlocked traffic (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ being stuck for over three hours (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ M60 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Greater Manchester Police (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Eccles (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)