M62 reopens between Denshaw and Rochdale after serious multi-vehicle crash
The westbound carriageway was shut for more than ten hours overnight following a serious collision involving several vehicles.
What happened on the M62
The westbound carriageway of the M62 has reopened after a serious multi-vehicle crash forced a complete closure of the stretch between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire overnight.
Emergency services and traffic officers were called to the scene between Junction 22 at Denshaw and Junction 21 at Rochdale shortly before 11pm on Saturday night. The crash involved several vehicles and left a substantial amount of debris across the carriageway, prompting police to shut the westbound route.
National Highways officers and Greater Manchester Police attended the incident, keeping the motorway closed for more than ten hours while investigation work was carried out and the vehicles were recovered.
Diversions and traffic impact
During the closure, drivers travelling westbound were diverted off the motorway at Junction 22 onto the A672 southbound, continuing along the A62 and A627 onto the A627(M) to rejoin the M62 at Junction 20 near Thornham Island.
Travel service Inrix confirmed that accident investigation work continued past 9am on Sunday morning, causing delays on the approach to Rishworth Moor.
National Highways confirmed the carriageway was fully reopened at 9.30am on Sunday. Residual queues stretched back roughly two miles immediately after the lanes were unblocked before traffic resumed moving freely.
What is known about casualties
Greater Manchester Police has not yet released details regarding the number of people injured or the exact number of vehicles involved in the collision.
Further updates on the condition of those involved have been requested from police.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Time of crash | Shortly before 11pm on Saturday, 10 October | National Highways and Greater Manchester Police |
| Time reopened | 9:30am on Sunday, 11 October | National Highways and Inrix |
| Tailback length | Two miles | Inrix |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Greater Manchester Police | Investigated the collision scene and managed the road closure. |
| M62 | The motorway where the multi-vehicle crash occurred. |
| National Highways | Managed traffic, diversions, and clearing debris from the carriageway. |
