M60 shut for 12 HOURS after lorry overturns near Trafford Centre in Storm Pia winds with emergency services at scene all day

The M60 was closed for 12 hours on Thursday (December 21) near the Trafford Centre after a lorry dramatically overturned in strong Storm Pia winds.

The motorway was closed initially in both directions on Thursday morning, over Barton Bridge, between Junction 10 and Junction 11 after the dramatic crash, which saw the huge HGV topple over onto its side.

The collision caused emergency services, including paramedics and motorway police to the scene at around 8.30am. No injuries were reported.

READ MORE M60 closed after lorry overturns in Storm Pia winds with huge traffic delays

READ MORE Chaos at Trafford Retail Park as shoppers stuck in 'nightmare' queues for over THREE hours trying to get out as M60 closed

The anticlockwise carriageway later reopened, however the other side of the motorway was closed throughout the entire day while the vehicle was recovered, with diversions in place.

The crash also caused damage to overhead gantry signage which was being repaired late into Thursday night, with all lanes remaining closed and blocked off by police.

The closure and subsequent diversion caused traffic to spill out onto nearby roads, which caused gridlocked traffic for those shopping at the Trafford Centre and Trafford Retail Park. People reported being stuck for over three hours trying to leave car parks in the area.

Following the crash, drivers were urged to avoid the area and told they 'should not travel unless essential' on the M60 amid the emergency services response. As of 9pm on Thursday, the carriageway was still closed with motorway police at the scene.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said on Thursday morning: "Police are currently responding to an ongoing incident on junction 10 of the M60