The M60 was closed in both directions between Junction 17 at Prestwich and Junction 18 at Simister Island after a police incident, with drivers warned to face delays of more than 30 minutes. Three miles of congestion built on the approach, and the route remained shut while emergency services dealt with the scene.
Junction 17 and Junction 18
National Highways said the closure covered the stretch between Junction 17 and Junction 18, a section used by traffic moving through Greater Manchester. For drivers already on that part of the motorway, the immediate effect was queueing rather than through movement, with the delay estimate rising beyond half an hour.
The congestion stretched for three miles before the closure point. That left drivers approaching Prestwich and Simister Island facing slow progress even before reaching the shut section, while traffic elsewhere had to be diverted away from the blocked stretch.
Greater Manchester Police at scene
Greater Manchester Police were at the scene, along with North West Ambulance Service and fire crews. National Highways' warning showed the closure was not a routine hold-up but a live incident requiring a full stop to traffic in both directions.
For readers trying to move through the area, the practical step was to avoid the closed section and allow extra time if travelling near Junction 17 or Junction 18. The speed of the build-up matters here because delays can spread quickly across a motorway route once both directions are shut.
The missing detail is the cause of the police incident itself. Emergency services were present, but the reason for the closure had not been set out, leaving the main question for drivers simple: how long the motorway stays shut, and when traffic can move again. National Highways closes M60 Junction 17 18 Closure for five gantries
