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At least four vehicles were involved in the crash on the M62 (Image: National Highways)
The M62 was closed following a multi-vehicle crash north of this morning. The incident happened on the eastbound carriageway near Simister Island, one of the busiest junctions in the area.
At least four vehicles were involved in the incident, Greater Manchester Police reports. Police and the ambulance service were at the scene at 9.15am while closed the eastbound carriageway completely between Junction 18 (M60, M66) and Junction 19 (Middleton). There is heavy traffic in the area, including on the M60 clockwise and on the M61.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Traffic has been stopped on the M62 eastbound between J18 ( ) and J19 due to a collision. Please be patient we’ll update you as soon as we have more information.”
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Motorway reopens with 10 minute delays
The M62 eastbound between J18 and J19 has now reopened, according to National Highways.
Drivers are still facing delays of around 10 minutes.
The is now OPEN eastbound between J18 ( ) and J19 following an earlier collision.Delays of 10 mins remain.Thanks for your patience.
u2014 National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST)
‘Multiple cars and van’ involved in ‘serious’ collision
At least four vehicles were involved in the crash, including “a van and a number of cars”, police told Manchester Evening News.
Traffic is backing up on the M62, M61 and M60.
Traffic is continuing to build on the M62 after the closure of its eastbound lanes (Image: Google)
Police in attendance and delays expected
Greater Manchester Police are at the scene of a serious crash on the M62 north of Manchester, according to National Highways.
The entire eastbound carriageway was closed at around 10am, with one lane briefly opening before emergency services closed it again.
Motorists are currently facing delays of around one hour.
‘Allow extra time’
A National Highways spokesperson said: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.
“Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
A diversion has been put in place
National Highways has set up a diversion route. A spokesperson said:
“Road users travelling eastbound are advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol on road signs
Exit the M62 at Junction 18
At Simister roundabout, take first exit onto M66 clockwise and follow for 3.4km
Exit M66 at Junction 3
At M66 Junction 3, take first exit onto slip road, turn right on Pilsworth Road and follow for 1.3km
At Pilsworth Road/Moss Hall Road Junction, turn right onto Moss Hall Road and follow for 0.4km
At Moss Hall Road/Pilsworth Road Junction, turn left onto Pilsworth Road and follow for 1.1km
At Pilsworth Road/Hareshill Road Junction turn right onto Hareshill Road/Queen Elizabeth Way and follow for 1.9km
At Queen Elizabeth Way/M62 Junction 19 roundabout take the second exit and rejoin M62 “
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Follow this page for the latest updates on the M62 incident and traffic.