A major police incident has brought traffic to a standstill on one of the UK's busiest motorways, causing severe disruption for drivers across Greater Manchester.
Motorway Shut in Both Directions
Police have taken the drastic step of closing the M6 in both directions on the morning of Friday 16 January 2026. The closure is a response to what authorities are describing as a severe incident on the motorway. The disruption is centred around the northbound entry slip road at junction J23.
Severe Delays and Expected Clearance
National Highways has confirmed the incident is a serious road traffic collision. As a result, drivers are facing extensive queues with estimated delays of around 60 minutes. The agency has provided a timeline for recovery, stating the incident is expected to be cleared between 12:15pm and 12:30pm today. However, they warn that traffic flow is unlikely to return to normal until approximately 1:30pm.
Advice for Travellers
Motorists are being strongly advised to avoid the area if possible and to seek alternative routes. The closure is causing significant knock-on effects on surrounding A-roads and local networks as traffic seeks a way around the blocked motorway. Commuters and long-distance travellers are urged to allow considerable extra time for their journeys or to postpone travel until later in the afternoon.
This major disruption underscores the vulnerability of key transport corridors to sudden incidents. Real-time travel information is being updated by National Highways and local police forces as emergency services work at the scene.
