Motorists were stuck in four hours of traffic after the M60 was closed due to a serious police incident. Drivers found themselves at a standstill when long delays were caused on the motorway on Tuesday (January 23).
According to reports, the congestion stretched for up to two miles between junction 20 and junction junction 22 of the M60 and left chaos on surrounding roads. Further reports stated that the closure caused gridlocks elsewhere as others tried to avoid the motorway.
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North West Motorway Police (NWMP) rushed to handle the scene ‘quickly and safely’ however, many took to social media to describe their experience with reports of people abandoning their vehicles and distressed parents with new-borns.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, worried parent wrote: “Been stuck on the M60 northbound for 3 hours with my new-born baby as the motorway has been closed. No help from @gmpolice to get us off and I was just told to “get back in my car”.
“No food left for her and the wind is picking up. Really helping my postnatal depression.”
One frustrated commuter said: “Hour number 4 of being stuck on the M60, starting to think I might have to live in my car.” Another added: “Whatever has happened on the M60 is clearly catastrophic but I’ve been sat standstill on the motorway for nearly 4 hours!?
“Surely something can be done to move us???? The lady in front of me has a new-born baby in the car & people are even abandoning their cars?.”
Another person wrote on X: “Currently stuck at a standstill on the way to Barnsley, think on the M60. Whatever has happened I really hope everyone is ok. Haven’t moved an inch in 2&1/2 hours!!”
NWMP also took to social media to calm people down and asked them to remain within their vehicles. The MEN understands that major roads such as Middleton Road, Bury New Road and parts of the A576 were gridlocked due to the closure.
National Highways provided alternative routes and began asking drivers at the back of the long queue to turn around in order to ease traffic. National Highways said: “Traffic caught with the closure is in the process of being released via rearward relief.
“There’s around 2 miles worth of traffic caught within the closure and we’re working as quickly and as safely as we can to get everybody turned. We appreciate your patience whilst we work to get you moving.”
According to Inrix, there are still long delays on the M60 as emergency services carry out their work. Inrix says: “M60 anticlockwise blocked, long delays due to police incident from J22 A62 Manchester Road (Failsworth) to J20 A664 Manchester New Road (Higher Blackley). Congestion to J23 (Ashton Under Lyne).”
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
