M62 Crash Today LIVE: Multiple Collisions on M62 Cause Miles of Queues, Lane Closures and Major Delays Across Northern England
M62 crash today: Multiple accidents between Rochdale, Saddleworth, Huddersfield and Leeds have caused severe delays, lane closures and miles of congestion on one of the UK’s busiest motorways. Get the latest live updates.
M62 Crash Today: Multi-Vehicle Collisions Bring Major Disruption to Key Trans-Pennine Route
Drivers across northern England are facing significant travel disruption after a series of incidents on the M62 today caused lengthy delays, lane closures, and congestion stretching for miles across sections of the motorway.
The incidents have affected multiple areas of the M62 corridor, including Rochdale, Saddleworth, Huddersfield, and Leeds, creating a challenging day for motorists traveling between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
Emergency services, traffic officers, and highway maintenance teams have been responding to separate crashes throughout the day, with authorities urging drivers to expect extended journey times and consider alternative routes where possible.
M62: One of Britain’s Most Important Motorways
The M62 is the United Kingdom’s primary east-west motorway, extending approximately 107 miles from Liverpool to Hull. Passing through major urban centres including Manchester and Leeds, the motorway serves as a vital transport artery for commuters, freight operators, and long-distance travelers.
The route includes the famous Pennine crossing near Saddleworth Moor, which stands as the highest motorway point in England at around 1,221 feet above sea level. On its busiest sections, the M62 carries an estimated 140,000 vehicles each day, meaning even minor incidents can quickly trigger widespread traffic disruption.
Multiple Crashes Reported Across the M62 Corridor
Traffic disruptions today have not been limited to a single incident. Instead, motorists have encountered a cluster of separate collisions at various locations along the motorway.
Reports indicate that some sections experienced around 30 minutes of delays, while queues stretched for approximately three miles in certain areas. Traffic was also diverted via slip roads at affected junctions to help manage congestion and allow emergency crews access to crash scenes.
Authorities have been coordinating responses involving police units, traffic officers, ambulance services, and recovery operators.
Rochdale Crash Causes Lane Closures
One of the incidents occurred on the westbound carriageway near Rochdale around Junction 21.
Traffic management measures included the closure of one lane while emergency responders dealt with the aftermath of the collision. Repair work was also planned following the incident, adding to disruption for motorists using this heavily traveled section of motorway.
The area around Junction 21 serves as a crucial link between Greater Manchester and the Pennine crossing, making any lane restrictions particularly impactful during busy periods.
Leeds Overturn Incident Leads to Lengthy Delays
Further east, motorists experienced major delays near Leeds following reports of an overturned vehicle on the eastbound carriageway.
Vehicle overturn incidents on motorways often require extensive emergency operations due to potential risks such as fuel leaks, vehicle instability, and possible injuries to occupants.
The Leeds section of the M62 is already known for heavy traffic volumes because of its connections to major routes including the M1 and M621. Consequently, lane closures quickly resulted in significant delays and slow-moving traffic.
Saddleworth and Huddersfield Three-Vehicle Collision
Another major incident involved a three-vehicle collision between Junction 22 near Saddleworth and Junction 23 near Huddersfield.
Reports indicated that the crash involved a motorcycle and multiple other vehicles, leading to lane closures and severe delays in both directions.
The Saddleworth and Huddersfield stretch of the M62 is particularly exposed to changing weather conditions. Drivers regularly encounter strong winds, rain, mist, and reduced visibility across the Pennine section, factors that can complicate driving conditions and emergency responses.
Additional reports also described another serious multi-vehicle collision on the westbound carriageway involving larger vehicles and a heavily damaged car, contributing to extensive traffic disruption.
Why M62 Delays Escalate So Quickly
The M62 is one of the busiest transport corridors in northern England. When several incidents occur simultaneously, traffic conditions can deteriorate rapidly due to:
- High daily traffic volumes
- Limited alternative east-west routes
- Lane closures reducing motorway capacity
- Emergency service activity at multiple locations
- Recovery operations involving damaged vehicles
- Congestion spreading backward for several miles
These factors often combine to create prolonged delays that can persist even after lanes begin reopening.
Advice for Drivers Traveling on the M62 Today
Motorists planning journeys along the M62 are advised to:
- Check live traffic updates before departure
- Allow additional travel time
- Consider alternative routes where practical
- Follow diversion signs and police instructions
- Maintain safe distances in slow-moving traffic
- Be prepared for sudden speed changes approaching congestion
Drivers traveling between Liverpool, Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and Hull should anticipate delays throughout the day.
Latest Situation
The series of M62 crashes today highlights the vulnerability of one of Britain’s most heavily used motorways to widespread disruption when multiple incidents occur simultaneously.
With collisions reported near Rochdale, Saddleworth, Huddersfield, and Leeds, motorists have faced lane closures, congestion, and significantly extended journey times across large portions of the trans-Pennine route.
Traffic conditions are expected to remain challenging until all vehicles are recovered, damaged infrastructure is repaired, and normal traffic flow is fully restored.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the M62 closed today?
Several separate collisions on different sections of the motorway have resulted in lane closures and severe traffic delays.
Where have the M62 crashes happened?
Incidents have been reported near Rochdale, Saddleworth, Huddersfield, and Leeds.
How long are delays on the M62?
Some motorists have experienced delays of around 30 minutes or more, with congestion extending for several miles.
Are emergency services at the scene?
Yes. Police, ambulance crews, traffic officers, and recovery teams have been responding to the incidents.
Should drivers avoid the M62 today?
Motorists are advised to check live traffic information before traveling and allow additional time or consider alternative routes where possible.