The M62 is closed this morning in Greater Manchester following a ‘serious’ crash and fire.
The M62 is closed in Greater Manchester today following a crash and a fire. The collision, which has been described as serious, took place on the westbound carriageway at Junction 19, near Heywood. at about 11.45pm last night. The air ambulance attended the scene yesterday. Parts of the motorway, between Junction 20 and 19, reopened overnight. However police continue to investigate in the Junction 19 area.
At 5.30am, National Highways said: “The M62 remains closed westbound between the exit and entry slips of J19 Heywood in GreaterManchester. @NWmwaypolice have nearly completed recovery and contractors are standing by for the clean up and repair operation that will likely extend into the morning peak.”
Drivers urged to ‘take care’ by police
Drivers have been urged to “take care [if] out and about” near the M62.
A spokesperson for North West Motorway Police said: “As you have heard from National Highways, the M62 westbound carriageway between J20 and J19 is closed due to a police incident.
“We will keep you updated regarding this closure.”
Delay time increases to 90 minutes
Motorists stuck on the M62 after a “serious collision and vehicle fire” on Sunday are facing around 10 miles of tailback traffic and 90 minute delays, according to National Highways.
North West Motorway Police have closed Junction 19 for Heywood and are “conducting a collision investigation at the scene”.
“Once investigations are complete, the road surface and a bridge need to be assessed for damage before the road can be reopened,” a spokesperson said.
‘One vehicle involved’ in collision
Only one vehicle was involved in the collision on Sunday night that is continuing to cause significant delays on the M62 in Greater Manchester, the Manchester Evening News has reported.
Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment.
Drivers face six-mile queues
The closure of the M62 westbound near Junction 19 to Heywood is causing delays of up to six miles, National Highways says.
Traffic is being diverted through exit and entry slip roads but motorists have been warned to allow 60 minutes more for their journeys.
Map shows M62 traffic
This map shows where the M62 closure is located.
It also shows heavy traffic in the area.
There are huge queues in the area (Image: Google)
Huge queues on the M62
Heavy traffic has been pictured by National Highways cameras.
The picture attached shows congestion past junction 21 at Milnrow on the M62 westbound, our sister website MEN reports.
Serious incident on the M62
Hello and thanks for joining our live blog.
The M62 has been closed since last night following what National Highways described as “a serious collision and subsequent vehicle fire”.
All emergency services, including an air ambulance, were at the scene on the M62 westbound between J20 Rochdale and J19 Heywood. National Highways traffic officers also assisted with traffic management.
The incident happened before 11.45pm.
