Major Road Closure on the M60 Due to Flooding—Here's What You Need to Know
Imagine expecting a smooth journey, only to be suddenly rerouted or stuck in long queues—this is the reality for many drivers today as a significant stretch of the M60 motorway has been completely shut down. But what's behind this unexpected closure, and what does it mean for travelers? Let's dive into the details.
This morning (Thursday, January 15), the entire anti-clockwise side of the M60 has been closed to traffic. The closure is from junction 17, which serves Prestwich and Whitefield, all the way down to junction 14, connecting to the East Lancashire Road. The reason? Serious flooding caused by a malfunction in local sewage infrastructure—an unexpected and disruptive issue that has nothing to do with scheduled roadworks.
Initially, authorities planned to reopen the motorway at 5 a.m., but the closure has been extended. According to National Highways, the flooding is within the section where overnight maintenance work was being carried out. However, they clarified that the flooding isn’t related to those planned works—it's entirely due to a sewage malfunction that has unfortunately worsened the situation.
Specialist teams have been called in to address the flooding, which has impacted the carriageway between junctions 16 and 15. Traffic authorities are actively working to make the road safe again, but until that happens, motorists can expect considerable delays. A diversion route has been established, with clear signage guiding drivers away from the affected area.
The disruption has resulted in growing queues on the entry points leading up to the closure. Photos from traffic cameras illustrate significant congestion stretching back towards junction 17. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time this morning.
To stay updated, turn to live traffic feeds and alerts. The situation is constantly evolving as specialist crews work to resolve the flooding and make the motorway passable again.
Important advisories for drivers:
- Expect delays and increased travel times.
- Follow the designated diversion routes set up around the closure.
- Stay tuned to live updates for ongoing developments.
National Highways spokesperson emphasized the urgency: "The flooding resulting from a sewage infrastructure issue has forced us to extend the closure, prioritizing safety above all. We have mobilized specialist support to handle the situation. Traffic is likely to experience significant delays until the area is safe to reopen."
This incident raises an important question: How prepared are our infrastructure systems to handle unexpected failures like sewage malfunctions, especially in critical transport routes? And what more can be done to prevent such disruptions in the future?
We want to hear your thoughts—do you agree with the current response to this flood or believe there could be a better approach? Share your opinions in the comments below!
