A major traffic incident has brought the M66 motorway in Greater Manchester to a standstill, leaving drivers stranded and emergency services scrambling. But what caused this chaos? And when will the road reopen?
The answer lies in a four-vehicle crash that occurred on the evening of February 15, resulting in a complete closure of the southbound carriageway between Junction 1 (Ramsbottom) and Junction 2 (Bury). This incident, reported around 10:30 pm, has sparked a rapid response from authorities.
National Highways described the collision as 'serious,' emphasizing the involvement of four vehicles. The emergency services are on the scene, managing the aftermath and investigating the cause. But here's where it gets controversial: the closure isn't just at the crash site. Due to the design of Junction 1, which lacks a proper southbound exit, the authorities have extended the closure to the A56 Edenfield junction to ensure safe traffic management.
This decision has led to a significant diversion route for road users, adding to the inconvenience. The diversion, indicated by a hollow square symbol on road signs, directs drivers along a 9.5 km route: from the A56/A676 roundabout, onto the A56 eastbound, then turning right onto the A56 southbound, and finally, turning left onto the A58 Rochdale Road eastbound to rejoin the M66.
As of the latest update, the closure remains in place, with no estimated time for reopening. This has left drivers in limbo, wondering when they can continue their journeys.
And this is the part most people miss: while the focus is on the immediate impact, the long-term effects of such incidents can be far-reaching. From delayed deliveries to increased congestion on alternative routes, the ripple effects can be felt across the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Do you think the authorities' decision to extend the closure was necessary? How do you think this incident will affect the local community and businesses?
