There has been a significant refurbishment on the M60 motorway at Stockport by National Highways, as the clockwise carriageway from junction 25 to junction one has been reopened after a virtually 30-hour closure. The motorway had been shut following a massive accident involving multiple vehicles, and widespread disruptions had been felt by drivers using this key route in Greater Manchester. Relief was felt by drivers as the road was reopened, albeit with residual delays.
The shutdown began on July 7 after a large accident involving three lorries, two vans, and four cars near junction 27 at Portwood, Stockport. One of the HGVs ran through the central reservation, and another lorry spilled beer barrels on the carriageway. Even though the accident was significant, emergency services showed that no major hurts were received. Three persons were rushed to Stepping Hill Hospital for precautionary examination after minor injuries.
Traffic Chaos and Long Delays: The Aftermath of the Stockport M60 Accident
The impact of the M60 closure on travelers has been significant. With one of the major routes in the region completely blocked for nearly 30 hours, congestion quickly built up, and travelers faced lengthy delays. The motorway is a critical artery connecting the north of England, and this unexpected closure left many commuters struggling to find alternative routes.
For motorists heading toward Stockport and beyond, the closure caused chaos, with traffic stretching up to three miles on the anti-clockwise section due to ongoing repair work. While the clockwise lanes have now been fully reopened, the opposite carriageway remains partially blocked as crews continue to carry out necessary barrier repairs. A single lane is still closed, and National Highways has advised drivers to remain cautious as the work continues.
Emergency Response and Roadwork: How the Incident Was Handled
The quick response from emergency services helped mitigate the severity of the situation. Upon receiving the call at 11:26 AM on July 7, emergency responders, including fire and ambulance teams, were promptly dispatched to the scene. Fortunately, the crash did not result in any fatalities, and the quick coordination between emergency services allowed for an expedited clearance of the wreckage.
At around 1:45 PM on Tuesday, the anti-clockwise carriageway was also reopened after highways officers worked through the night to clear the debris and assess the structural damage. While this was a relief for many, it has also meant continued roadwork and delays for drivers, especially on the approach to the affected section.
How Travelers Are Affected and What You Need to Know
For travelers planning to drive through Stockport or along the M60 in the coming days, it’s essential to stay updated on the situation. The partial closure of the anti-clockwise carriageway means that traffic will continue to be slower in this section, and the backup could extend for miles.
Here are a few tips to navigate the ongoing disruption:
- Check Live Traffic Updates: National Highways provides live updates on road closures and traffic conditions. Be sure to check their website or use a reliable traffic app before heading out to avoid unexpected delays.
- Consider Alternative Routes: If you’re heading towards Manchester or Stockport, it might be worth considering other routes, such as the M56 or the M62, to bypass the congestion on the M60.
- Allow Extra Time for Travel: If your journey involves the M60 or its surrounding areas, ensure you leave extra time for your commute. The delays caused by the closure could add significant time to your trip.
- Be Prepared for Lane Closures: Even though the main lanes are reopened, there is still a lane closure for repairs. This could cause traffic to back up further. Travelers should stay alert to lane restrictions.
- Stay Safe: With ongoing roadwork, always exercise caution when traveling through construction zones. Follow signage, maintain a safe distance from vehicles, and adjust your speed accordingly.
The Bottom Line: Stockport’s M60 Is Open Again, but Travel Disruptions Aren’t Over
While resumption of traffic on the clockwise section of the M60 represents a major relief, continued roadwork and closure of part of the anti-clockwise carriageway trigger repeated disruptions on commuters around the Stockport region in the days to come. National Highways is diligently aiming to complete repair work necessary on damaged sections, though impacts on commuters, both local and long-distance, persist.
For drivers traversing this busy part of the motorway network, patience is key. Stay updated on real traffic, allot time to build into your journey, and become aware of active lane closures. Again, safety first and always, particularly in work zones.
For people commuting into Stockport or longer-distance journeys, remaining informed and flexible will minimize impacts of disruption. While reopening of the complete M60 is a good step in the correct direction, some residual delays can be expected as work is in progress on restoring traffic flow to a regular state.
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