M60 traffic latest: Clockwise reopens after welfare incident
M60 traffic on the clockwise carriageway between Junctions 22 and 23 near Oldham was closed on Saturday after a Greater Manchester Police-led 'concern for welfare' incident. National Highways later confirmed the motorway had reopened, though residual delays of more than 15 minutes and about a mile of congestion remained.
Key Takeaways
- The M60 clockwise was shut between J22 (Oldham/Failsworth) and J23 (Ashton-under-Lyne) for a police-led incident.
- GMP described it as a 'concern for welfare' case that has now been resolved.
- At the peak, delays hit around 45 minutes with about three miles of congestion.
- After reopening, National Highways still reported delays over 15 minutes and one mile of queuing.
- Drivers were steered onto a solid diamond diversion via the A62 and A6140 while the closure was live.
Live coverage from regional outlets tracked the disruption as it unfolded across Greater Manchester on 25 July 2026. For more breaking explainers and travel tech coverage, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
What caused the M60 clockwise closure near Oldham?
According to Lancashire Telegraph, the M60 clockwise closed between Oldham and Ashton-under-Lyne while Greater Manchester Police responded on scene.
National Highways: North-West said the clockwise M60 was closed between J22 Oldham and J23 Ashton-under-Lyne due to a police-led incident, with GMP leading. Traffic officers assisted police in releasing vehicles caught inside the closure.
GMP later said the matter was a 'concern for welfare' incident that 'has now been resolved.' The exact circumstances beyond that description were not officially disclosed in the reports cited.
How bad were the M60 traffic delays and where?
During the shutdown, National Highways reported roughly 45-minute delays and three miles of congestion on the approach. Queues also spilled onto local roads around Hollinwood, Failsworth, Oldham and Ashton-under-Lyne.
Police turned traffic from the rear of the queue to clear the closed stretch safely. Nearby restrictions were also noted around the A635 Manchester Road while emergency services needed access.
After the carriageway reopened, National Highways said delays remained in excess of 15 minutes with about one mile of congestion still clearing.
What diversion should drivers follow for M60 traffic?
While the clockwise section was closed, motorists were advised to follow the official solid diamond diversion: leave at Junction 22 (Hollinwood Interchange), take the A62 Manchester Road southbound towards Failsworth, continue on the A6140 Moss Way southbound, then rejoin the M60 clockwise at Junction 23 (Snipe Interchange).
Alternatives floated for longer trips included staying on the M62 or using the anticlockwise M60 where destinations allowed. Drivers were urged to watch overhead signs and official National Highways updates before diverting onto already busy A-roads.
For live help, National Highways Customer Contact Centre is listed as 0300 123 5000; non-emergency police enquiries go to 101, with 999 reserved for emergencies only.