M62 closure RECAP: Major UK motorway shuts after horror crash leaves spillage across all lanes
Traffic was stopped on the M62 motorway this morning following a crash. The westbound carriageway was shut near Rochdale, National Highways said, and the crash took place between junction 22 for Denshaw and junction 21 for Rochdale. National Highways said the crash was a single vehicle collision.
It stated on X: "Traffic is stopped on the #M62 westbound between J22 (#Denshaw) and J21 (#Rochdale) due to a single vehicle collision. There is also a spillage across all lanes of the carriageway." This is a breaking news story - please refresh for updates.
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15:26Eliana NunesTraffic cleared
Traffic has now cleared on the M62.
13:45Ella KiplingFootball team stuck in M62 traffic ahead of game
Another football game has been delayed due to the M62 traffic. South Liverpool FC shared the news of a delayed kick-off time on X, writing: "Today's opponents are currently delayed in traffic due to an unrelated crash in the M62. We are expecting a small delay to the kick off time.
More details nearer the time."
13:21Ella KiplingM62 westbound finally open
The M62 westbound has now confirmed to be open between J22 and J21. National Highways stated: "The #M62 westbound is now OPEN between J22 (#Denshaw) & J21 (#Rochdale) following a collision and treatment of a fuel spillage. Please allow extra time if travelling in the area as delays of 90 mins remain.
Thanks for your patience."
13:19Ella KiplingDelays of 90 minutes still expected
The M62 westbound is still experiencing congestion around J24 and J22, and normal traffic conditions aren't expected until between 16:30 and 16:45. There are currently delays of one and a half hours against expected traffic, the National Highways website explains.
11:41Ella KiplingDrivers say traffic is 'at a standstill'
Drivers have taken to social media to share updates on the situation. One wrote: "It's at a standstill at the moment, avoid if at all possible, we've travelled a mile in an hour."
Another, heading westbound, said: "It's backed right up. Don't try cutting through Ripponden its grid lock here." Someone else wrote: "22 - 21 completely closed, we've abandoned our journey."
11:25Ella KiplingClosure on nearby motorway announced
National Highways has announced another motorway closure, this time affecting the M6.
It stated that three lanes are closed on the M6 northbound due to a crash. The update read: "Lanes 1, 2 and 3 are CLOSED on the #M6 northbound between J21 #Warrington and J21A #M62 due to a multi vehicle collision. Emergency services are on scene.
There are currently delays of 20 mins on approach to the incident."
11:01Ella KiplingNational Highways says 'no ETA for reopening'
National Highways has confirmed that there is no timeframe for reopening. When asked if there was an ETA on when the road would be reopen, it replied: "Unfortunately there is no current ETA for reopening as once the cleaning has taken place, an assessment will have to be made on the road surface to ensure its safe and resurfacing isn't required. Please follow the feed for updates."10:51Ella KiplingFootball fans concerned over long delays
Football fans heading to games have shared concerns over the road closures and kick-off times.
One Grimsby Town supporter wrote on X: "Looks like the m62 near Rochdale (j22-21) is closed westbound as theres a fuel spillage across all 3 lanes which needs to be cleared up #GTFC[3]." Another posted ahead of the team's match in Barrow: "M62 closed west bound #gtfc[4]." Meanwhile, an Oldham Athletic supporter wanred others to be "mindful" of their routes heading to the game in Harrogate, saying: "M62 closed in both directions from junction 21-22 so be mindful of your route folks #oafc[5]."
10:40Ella KiplingManchester United game delayed due to traffic
A Manchester United Under-18s game against Leeds has been delayed by 45 minutes due to traffic.
The game, at Carrington, is now expected to kick off at 12.15pm to allow visitors to arrive, football journalist Adam Higgins reported.
10:31Ella KiplingA delay of at least one hour announced
Drivers approaching the M62 westbound closure between J22 and J21 can expect a delay of at least 60 minutes. National Highways has confirmed that there are four miles of congestion on approach to the closure.
Delays are ongoing, National Highways has said (Google Maps)09:53KEY EVENT
Diversion route for drivers confirmed
Drivers travelling westbound have been advised to follow the Solid Square diversion route. National Highways explained:
- Leave M62 westbound at J22.
- At the end of M62 J22 westbound exit slip turn left onto A672 southbound.
- Continue on A672 until the junction with the A62 and turn right onto the A62/Huddersfield Road.
- Keep right to continue on Oldham Way/A62.
- Continue to follow Oldham Way until the roundabout with the A627 and take the 2nd exit onto A627 Chadderton Way.
- Follow the A627 to Chadderton Roundabout and take the 3rd exit onto the A627(M) slip to Leeds/M62/Rochdale.
- Merge onto the A627(M) and follow to the M62 J20 Thornham Island and rejoin the M62 westbound.
Recovery has just arrived at the scene
National Highways Traffic Officers are at the scene and recovery has just arrived.A sander and sweeper are also en route to assist with the clean up as there is "significant" fuel spillage 30 metres across all lanes of the carriageway.09:22KEY EVENT
M62 westbound is closed
The M62 westbound is closed between J22 and J21. Clean up is on the way, but no timeframe has been shared yet. Traffic caught within the closure is now been released via the hard shoulder past the scene, National Highways shared.
09:16Ella KiplingCrash caused 'significant fuel spillage' across road
National Highways said that the crash had resulted in fuel spillage across all three lanes of the carriageway.
It wrote: "There is a significant fuel spillage across all 3 lanes of the carriageway so vehicles cannot go past the scene at this time.
Clean up crew en route."