The M62 westbound carriageway remains closed between Junction 22 (Denshaw) and Junction 21 (Rochdale) in Greater Manchester following a serious multi-vehicle collision that occurred shortly before 11pm on Saturday, October 10.
National Highways confirmed the closure was still in place at 6:30am on Sunday, October 11, with both police and traffic officers managing the ongoing incident. The authority stated that the westbound route remained fully closed while emergency response activities continued on the affected section.
Greater Manchester Police and National Highways traffic officers attended the scene of the crash, which involved multiple vehicles. Authorities have not released specific details regarding the vehicles involved, the cause of the collision, or any reported injuries.
National Highways advised drivers approaching the closed section to follow temporary road signs and instructions from traffic officers while arrangements for the incident response and cleanup are implemented. The closure affects all westbound journeys towards Rochdale.
Diverion Routes and Traffic Impact
Drivers traveling westbound are being directed to follow the Solid Square diversion route. This involves leaving the M62 westbound at Junction 22, turning left onto the A672 southbound, continuing to the junction with the A62, and then following a series of local roads including Oldham Way and the A627 before rejoining the M62 at Junction 20 (Thornham Island).
The closure has resulted in significant delays and traffic congestion in the surrounding areas. Motorists are urged to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes where possible.
The M62 is one of the busiest motorways in Britain, carrying up to 150,115 vehicles per day at its peak sections. The stretch between Junctions 22 and 21 passes through some of the highest terrain in England, with the motorway reaching 372 metres (1,221 feet) above sea level near Junction 22, making it the highest point on any motorway in the country.
Department for Transport STATS19 police collision records show the M62 has experienced 1,045 collisions at 33 identified hotspots, involving 1,628 casualties including 29 fatalities. The riskiest period for incidents on the M62 is between 14:00 and 17:00, when 23% of all incidents begin.
Travel Advice
Motorists are advised to check real-time traffic updates before setting out and to follow all official guidance from National Highways and emergency services. Alternative routes via the M60, M6, A62, A640, and A664 through the Rochdale area, or the M60 Manchester Outer Ringway for longer-distance travel, may provide viable options for those needing to travel in the affected area.
