Commuters in the Manchester and Warrington region faced chaotic traffic conditions this morning following two major incidents. On the westbound stretch of the M62 near Junction 11 (Birchwood) a car overturned in the early hours, blocking two of the four lanes and triggering long queues. Emergency services attended promptly but the disruption extended well into the peak hours.
At the same time, the city-centre arterial route known as the A57(M) — commonly referred to as the Mancunian Way — was shut in both directions after a serious police-led incident. This full closure of one of Manchester’s busiest inner-ring roads caused severe congestion throughout the region.
What Happened on the M62
The incident on the M62 occurred around the key Junction 11 interchange near Birchwood and Warrington. The crash involving an overturned vehicle forced the closure of two lanes in the westbound carriageway. Traffic monitoring systems showed speeds dropping below 15 mph and queues extending for over a mile as motorists tried to navigate the affected section.
Recovery teams and police remained on-site for several hours. Drivers heading toward Liverpool, Manchester Airport or Warrington were particularly impacted, with the remaining lanes becoming heavily congested and alternative routes becoming overloaded.
Mancunian Way Shutdown Shuts Down Manchester Centre
The Mancunian Way closure began in the early hours, with the road between the Chester Road Roundabout (A56) and Downing Street (A6) completely blocked. The full shutdown choked the inner-ring road that links Salford, Hulme and Ardwick, and diverted traffic onto secondary city-centre streets.
Bus routes that normally use this corridor were delayed or rerouted, and alternative options such as trams and trains became more heavily used. Planning for longer travel times became essential for commuters heading to station hubs like Piccadilly, Victoria or Oxford Road.
Authorities Coordinate Response
The response involved multiple agencies collaborating to manage both scenes simultaneously. On the motorway, motorway traffic officers stabilised the overturned vehicle and inspected guard-rails and road infrastructure for damage. In central Manchester the city’s serious collision unit carried out investigations and established the closure to keep the site safe.
Digital message boards, social-media traffic updates and live traffic maps consistently alerted motorists to avoid the areas or delay their journeys. Diversions via the M60, A580 East Lancashire Road, Trinity Way, Trafford Road and Upper Brook Street were in place, but these too became congested quickly.
Ripple Effects on Public Transport and Businesses
Road closures did not just affect drivers. Bus operators reported significant delays. Many commuters shifted to the Metrolink and local trains to bypass the gridlock. Taxi and rideshare fares spiked as demand surged in the constrained morning window.
Businesses in Manchester city-centre noted slower staff arrival times and tricky logistics for deliveries. The disruption stretched beyond simple delays: it hit throughput for transport networks, morning schedules and the regional economy’s mobility.
Advice for Motorists and Travellers
Drivers were advised to remain calm, avoid hazardous behaviours such as weaving through queues or overtaking on the hard shoulder, and observe posted speed restrictions. Motorists heading into or through Warrington, Liverpool or Manchester were strongly urged to check live travel updates before departure, allow extra time for their journey, and consider public transport alternatives where possible.
Specifically, stay clear of the affected section of the M62 until advised otherwise and avoid the Mancunian Way zone unless absolutely necessary.
Regional Significance and What’s Next
The twin incidents highlight the fragility of key traffic corridors in the North West. The M62 serves as a major west-east route linking Liverpool, Warrington and Manchester, while the Mancunian Way acts as a central ring route inside Manchester. Disruption on either route alone can trigger ripple effects across the entire network.
Authorities expect full reopening later in the day once investigations and recovery operations conclude. Until then, updates will appear via road-authority channels and local traffic monitors. Commuters are advised to monitor these channels and plan accordingly.
Summary
Today’s transport disruption in the North West stemmed from a serious crash on the M62 near Junction 11 and a full closure of the Mancunian Way following a police incident. Both incidents caused major travel delays, affected both road and public transport networks, and forced commuters to look for alternatives. The message from authorities: avoid the area, allow extra time, and prioritise safety.
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