M62 and M60 LIVE traffic after motorway closed following serious crash - latest updates

Motorists are facing long delays after a stretch of the M62 was closed following a serious crash near Simister Island.

Three lanes of traffic were closed following a collision on the M62 eastbound between junctions 18 and 19, near Heywood and Middleton, this morning (March 4).

Traffic was later stopped at 9.15am as emergency services arrived on the scene, before National Highways confirmed a full closure of the eastbound carriageway at around 10am. The motorway has since reopened.

At least four vehicles were involved in the collision, including a van, according to Greater Manchester Police. Paramedics are also at the scene.

Drivers are facing queues of around an hour, according to National Highways.

An initial update from the Inrix traffic monitoring service said: "Severe delays and three lanes closed due to accident on M62 Eastbound from J18 M66 J4 (Simister Island) to J19 A6046 Middleton Road (Heywood). Lanes one two and three (of four)."

A further post said: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to accident on M62 Eastbound from J18 M66 J4 (Simister Island) to J19 A6046 Middleton Road (Heywood).

"Congestion to M60 J14 (Swinton Interchange). All traffic was held around 09:15am."

Data from Google shows long queues on the M60 clockwise tailing back to the M61 at Kearsley. There are also queues on the M62 westbound approaching the crash scene, and the M61 southbound approaching the M60.

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

All lanes have now reopened following the earlier crash.

The M66 exit slip road has also reopened.

The #M62 is now OPEN eastbound between J18 (#M60 #M66) and J19 #Middleton following an earlier collision.

Delays of 10 mins remain.

Thanks for your patience.