M62 traffic live updates following motorway crash and lorry collision

Motorists faced severe disruption on Friday afternoon as part of the motorway network was shut down following a major road accident. Commuters looking for m62 live updates found significant delays stretching across multiple miles as emergency services responded to the scene.

The incident occurred when a heavy goods vehicle collided with the central reservation. Reports indicate that the driver may have suffered a medical episode prior to the crash. The initial shutdown affected both directions of travel between junction 20 at Rochdale and junction 21 for Milnrow, though the eastbound carriageway has since reopened.

A lorry collision on the M62 westbound caused major traffic delays and a total route closure.

M62 live updates

Emergency response units, including an air ambulance, were deployed to the carriageway. The aircraft landed directly on the road surface to assist with the medical emergency. Traffic information providers noted that all movement was temporarily halted while crews managed the situation.

The closure has heavily impacted neighbouring routes as drivers attempt to find alternative paths around the obstruction. Local roads such as Ripponden Road experienced heavy congestion as queued traffic backed up past the five-mile mark on the approach to the collision point.

Authorities have issued specific diversion advice for motorists travelling along the westbound route. Drivers heading from Yorkshire towards junction 21 at Milnrow have experienced substantial waiting times as queues continue to grow near the affected zone.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the vulnerability of major transport corridors to sudden medical emergencies and subsequent infrastructure blocks. The closure affects daily commuters, freight transport, and local residents whose surrounding neighbourhood roads absorb the redirected traffic volume.