A MAJOR motorway has been shut in both directions after a “serious collision”.
The M62 is closed in both directions after the accident between junction 20 at Rochdale and junction 19 at Heywood.
Emergency crews, including cops, raced to the scene after the crash.
National Highways traffic officers are also in attendance to help manage the situation.
Motorists were brought to a slow crawl on their journeys after the crash.
All traffic appears to be held in both directions, with cameras showing an empty carriageway on one side and stationary traffic on the other.
National Highways reports four miles of congestion leading up to the incident, with delays of up to 60 minutes in the area.
Pictures showed cars bumper to bumper as the closure sparked traffic chaos.
Drivers were also urged to allow extra time for their journeys today.
Anyone planning to use the major motorway is urged to re-route or even delay travel if possible.
An update on the National Highways site reads: “North West Motorway Police Group have requested a closure westbound between J20 and J19.
“It is anticipated that accident investigations will be required.”
National Highways said their 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
Diversion routes
Traffic travelling westbound is advised to follow the solid circle diversion route:
- Leave the M62 westbound at J20.
- At M62 Jct 20/A627(M) Roundabout, take first exit onto A627(M) Southbound and follow for 1.7km.
- Leave A627(M) at A627(M)/Slattocks Link Road Roundabout.
- At A627(M)/Slattocks Link Road Roundabout, take second exit onto Slattocks Link Road Westbound and follow for 1.1km.
- At Slattocks Link Road/A664 Rondabout, take third exit onto A664 Westbound Slattocks Link and follow for 2.2km.
- At A664/A6046 Jct, turn right onto A6046 Norhbound Hollin Lane and follow for 2.6km.
- At A6046/M62 Jct 19 Roundabout, take first exit and rejoin M62 Westbound.
