Why is the M60 trending in the UK today?
The M60 is trending because a police incident this morning forced the motorway to close between junctions 17 and 18, creating three‑mile queues and over‑30‑minute delays across Greater Manchester.
What happened
- 5:04 am UTC
National Highways reported the M60 closure between junction 17 (Prestwich) and junction 18 (Simister Island) after police were called to a woman's welfare concern; fire and ambulance crews also attended [2]
- Earlier
Drivers were warned of 30‑minute plus delays and three‑mile congestion on both directions of the ring road, with diversions set up via Bury New Road and other local routes [1]
What you need to know
Expect delays of 30 minutes or more on the M60 and surrounding motorways.
Diversion routes include Bury New Road, Sheepfoot Lane and Middleton Road.
The incident also closed the A665 Bury Old Road in Whitefield.
Traffic monitoring services report queues extending back to junction 13 on the clockwise side.
The exact nature of the police incident and any further impact on the motorway after the initial closure have not been confirmed.
Background
The M60 is Manchester’s orbital motorway, linking major routes such as the M61 and M62. Closures on this ring road can quickly affect traffic across the wider Greater Manchester network.
Police, fire and ambulance services responded to a welfare concern involving a woman, leading to the shutdown of the road in both directions. Similar incidents have previously caused temporary closures and diversions.
National Highways manages traffic information and diversion plans, issuing real‑time updates to drivers via traffic monitoring services and news outlets.
Questions people ask
What caused the M60 closure?
Police were called to a welfare concern for a woman, prompting officers, fire crews and ambulances to secure the scene and close the road.
How long will the delays last?
Delays of more than 30 minutes were reported early this morning, with queues stretching three miles; the duration will depend on how quickly the incident is resolved.
Are there alternative routes?
National Highways advises drivers to use diversions via Bury New Road, Sheepfoot Lane and Middleton Road, and to check live traffic updates for further guidance.
Where this came from
[1] bbc.co.uk
Long delays as stretch of M60 closed during police incident
Preview image from bbc.co.uk
[2] manchestereveningnews.co.uk
M60 closed LIVE in 'police incident' as emergency services descend and traffic delays build
Preview image from manchestereveningnews.co.uk
[3] independent.co.uk
Delays as M60 shut due to police incident
Preview image from independent.co.uk
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.