A major traffic disruption has unfolded on the M62 motorway in Greater Manchester, with the westbound carriageway completely shut following a severe incident involving a car fire after a crash. The closure affects the stretch between Junction 12 at the Eccles Interchange, which connects to the M60 and M602, and Junction 11 at the Birchwood Interchange, serving Warrington (East), Birchwood, and the A574.
Emergency Response and Scene Details
The incident, which occurred late on Thursday, March 26, 2026, began as a single-vehicle collision that quickly escalated when the car involved caught fire. This has prompted a significant emergency response, with Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, and National Highways Traffic Officers all deployed to the scene to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Impact on Travel and Driver Advice
National Highways has issued a stark warning to motorists, urging them to avoid the affected area and consider alternate routes if their journeys are impacted. In a statement, they emphasized, "If this closure impacts your planned route, please allow extra time for your journey and consider alternate routes, if possible." The closure is expected to cause substantial delays and congestion on surrounding roads, particularly during peak travel times.
As this is an ongoing event, updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Authorities are working diligently to clear the scene and reopen the motorway, but no estimated time for resumption of normal traffic flow has been given yet. Drivers are advised to stay informed through official traffic alerts and plan their routes accordingly to minimize disruption.
