M62 diversion route as crash leaves motorway closed and causes 60-minute delays

There are long delays and the emergency services are at the scene

Tom Burnett Content Editor 17:37, 01 Mar 2026

Emergency services at the scene of a 'serious' collision on the M62 Westbound near Rochdale.

March 1 2026. (Image: ASP)

A diversion route is in place following a serious crash on the M62 today (Sunday, March 1). Emergency services are at the scene on the westbound carriageway between Junction 20 (Rochdale) and Junction 19 (Heywood) - with the motorway closed as a result.

Three vehicles are reported to be involved in the incident. An air ambulance has attended.

The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours.

The motorway has been shut to traffic since around 3.30pm - you can follow our dedicated live updates here.[1]

Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN[2]

A National Highways spokesperson said: "The M62 is closed westbound between J20 (Rochdale[3]) and J19 (Heywood[4]) following a serious collision.

"An Air Ambulance has attended.

3 lanes (of 4) are also closed eastbound carriageway J19-J20.

"There are delays of 60 minutes on the M62[5] eastbound J18-J19 and 45 minute delays westbound.

"North West Motorway Police Group have requested a closure westbound between J20 and J19. It is anticipated that accident investigations will be required. National Highways traffic officers are providing assistance with road closures."

Diversion route:

The following diversion route is in place on the carriageway.

Drivers are being urged to follow the solid circle diversion route.

Leave the M62 westbound at J20. At M62 Jct 20/A627(M) Roundaboutt, take first exit onto A627(M) Southbound and follow for 1.7km.

Leave A627(M) at A627(M)/Slattocks Link Road Roundabout. At A627(M)/Slattocks Link Road Roundabout, take second exit onto Slattocks Link Road Westbound and follow for 1.1km.

At Slattocks Link Road/A664 Rondabout, take third exit onto A664 Westbound Slattocks Link and follow for 2.2km.

At A664/A6046 Jct, turn right onto A6046 Norhbound Hollin Lane and follow for 2.6km.

At A6046/M62 Jct 19 Roundabout, take first exit and rejoin M62 Westbound.

References

1. ^ you can follow our dedicated live updates here. (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN (www.google.com)
3. ^ Rochdale (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Heywood (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^ M62 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)