M60 closure RECAP: All traffic stopped on major motorway as ‘police incident’ underway
Motorists on the M60[1] were at a standstill amid a police incident today, with people reported to be standing on the road. Police and paramedics were at the scene. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that crews "were called to reports of a man on the wrong side of the bridge".
A witness on social media said some cars had decided to drive on the hard shoulder[2], blocking the route for emergency services. "Sat on the m60 heading home and loads of cars have decided to drive down the hard shoulder and block the entire route for all the emergency services," they said. Another user called Toni[3] filmed footage of the queuing cars.
This live blog is now closed
22:59KEY EVENTM60 now open
Highways England confiremd the M60 has now reopened. The body said: "#M60[4] clockwise between J6 #Sale[5] & J8 #Stretford[6] is now open following the earlier @gmptraffic[7] led incident. No significant delays remain in the area."
22:27Benjamin LynchWhat we know so far
Here is what we know so far:
- Motorists on the M60 are at a standstill with parts of the motorway completely empty
- Police, fire crews and ambulances were called to the scene after concerns over a man on the wrong side of the bridge were raised
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The clockwise carriageway between J6 (Sale) and J8 (Stretford) is shut
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Lanes are now open on the Anti-clockwise carriageway
Queues continue
Little has changed for motorists stuck in queues this evening.
The motorway shut down has now been in place for over four hours.
20:36KEY EVENTDrivers advised to avoid the area - police
Police said in a statement that the M60 clockwise between J6Sale and J8 Stretford remains closed. GMP said: "We advise those needing to travel in this direction to find alternative routes, however a diversion is in place for those already in the area. The cooperation and patience of the public is appreciated whilst we work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."
19:53Benjamin LynchClosure in place still - National Highways
"M60 clockwise remains closed between J6 Sale and J8 Stretford due to a Greater Manchester Police led incident," a spokesperson for National Highways said. "Diversion:- follow Hollow Square symbol.
Leave at J6 via Carrington Spur slip rd. Head to J7, then travel via A56 and A6144. All lanes are now open on the Anti-clockwise carriageway."
19:26Benjamin LynchThe affected area
Motorists are being temporarily held on the clockwise carriageway between J6 for Sale to J7 for Carrington, the Manchester Evening News reported.
19:14Benjamin LynchHard shoulder used by motorists - witness
A witness on social media said some drivers used the hard shoulder, blocking the route taken by emergency crews.
The M60 was shut in both directions19:05KEY EVENT
Man on the wrong side of the bridge
Fire crews are in attendance and a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said crews were called to reports of a man "on the wrong side of the bridge".
They said: "At just after 4.45pm today (Saturday 22 June) fire crews were called to reports of a man on the wrong side of the bridge on the M60 clockwise from junction 8 to 9.
"Two fire engines from Sale and Salford along with the Technical Response Unit from Leigh quickly attended the scene.
"Crews are working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service and remain in attendance."
18:57Benjamin LynchMotorway shut in both directions
As emergency services deal with the event, both of the M60's carriageways have beens shut.
18:52Benjamin LynchAll traffic has been stopped
Some drivers are rported to be out of their cars and all traffic has been stopped following the incident.
References
- ^ Motorists on the M60 (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ the hard shoulder (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Toni (x.com)
- ^ #M60 (twitter.com)
- ^ #Sale (twitter.com)
- ^ #Stretford (twitter.com)
- ^ @gmptraffic (twitter.com)