Traffic on the M60 Live network has been brought to a complete standstill this afternoon following a serious M61 interchange crash, triggering a large scale emergency response and severe disruption across Greater Manchester.
All lanes have been stopped on sections of the motorway between M60 junction 12 to 15, covering the busy stretch near Eccles, Worsley and the M61 link. Drivers are facing long queues as police, fire crews and paramedics work at the scene.
This is a live traffic situation and conditions are changing rapidly.
15:00 – M60 Closed Between Junction 12 and 15
National highways officers have confirmed the M60 closed clockwise between junction 12 (M62/M602 Eccles Interchange) and junction 15 (M61 Swinton Interchange) following a serious multi-vehicle collision.
Traffic was initially slowed before being fully stopped to allow emergency services safe access to the carriageway.
Live motorway camera checks at 15:18 show vehicles stationary across multiple lanes approaching the M61 interchange. Tailbacks are already stretching several miles.
Drivers report being stuck for more than 45 minutes.
15:10 – Details Emerging After M60 Crash
Early reports suggest the M60 crash may involve a lorry and at least one car, though casualty information has not yet been officially confirmed.
Fire crews are understood to be assessing vehicle damage and checking for fuel spill risks. Highways teams are inspecting central reservation barriers while police officers manage traffic control points and check on motorists.
The affected section of M60 Manchester remains at a standstill while the emergency response continues.
15:20 – Severe M60 Delays Spreading Across Network
The latest M60 traffic update indicates congestion is now spilling back towards the M62 and M602, with heavy pressure building on diversion routes through Eccles, Worsley and Swinton.
Current impacts include:
- Long tailbacks between junction 10 (Trafford Centre) and junction 15
- Slow traffic anti-clockwise approaching junction 13
- Severe congestion on the A580 East Lancashire Road
- Knock-on disruption affecting cross-city travel
Drivers heading towards Manchester Airport, the Trafford Centre or Lancashire via the M61 are being advised to allow at least 45 to 60 minutes of additional travel time.
With evening peak traffic approaching, further M60 delays are expected.
Emergency Services Statement
A regional highways spokesperson said:
“The M60 in Greater Manchester is currently closed clockwise between junction 12 and junction 15 following a serious multi-vehicle collision. All emergency services are working at the scene and traffic has been stopped to allow them to operate safely.”
Police at the scene have urged drivers to remain in their vehicles unless instructed otherwise.
What Drivers Need to Know
If you are planning to travel through the western side of M60 live Manchester this afternoon:
- Avoid the motorway between junction 12 and 15
- Expect extended delays on alternative routes
- Follow overhead gantry instructions
- Do not attempt to use the hard shoulder
- Allow significant extra time for journeys
Even once lanes reopen, congestion may take several hours to fully clear.
Checking a reliable M60 live traffic update service before setting off is strongly advised.
Why This Section of the M60 Is So Vulnerable
The stretch between Eccles, Worsley and the M61 is one of the most heavily used parts of the ring road, carrying high volumes of commuter and freight traffic daily.
An incident such as today’s M61 interchange crash quickly creates region-wide disruption because traffic from Lancashire, Salford, Trafford and north Manchester funnels through this corridor.
When the M60 closed at this junction, the impact spread rapidly across connecting motorways and A-roads.
Safety Reminder for Motorists
Authorities continue to remind drivers:
- Keep safe stopping distances
- Obey variable speed limits
- Never ignore a red X lane signal
- Stay inside your vehicle during motorway traffic holds
Motorway incidents often lead to secondary collisions when drivers lose concentration in stop-start conditions.
Ongoing M60 Live Updates
This M60 Live incident remains ongoing at the time of publication. Clearance times will depend on recovery operations and any required collision investigation work.
Drivers across Greater Manchester are advised to monitor official travel services for further confirmed updates as emergency crews continue their response.
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