Motorists using the M60 around Greater Manchester are facing disruption today, Sunday, September 27, 2026, with traffic affected by both an earlier incident and significant planned motorway closures.
The M60 is also undergoing major works around the Simister Island Interchange, with National Highways carrying out construction activity that has resulted in weekend closures and warnings of severe congestion.
Drivers should therefore check their route carefully before setting out, particularly around Junctions 17 and 18.
What Happened on the M60 Today?
A minor incident was recorded on the M60 anticlockwise carriageway between Junction 22 and Junction 21 earlier on Sunday.
Traffic information records show the incident was first reported at approximately 12:39 p.m. and was cleared after around 24 minutes. The incident involved two vehicles and was classified as minor.
There is no indication from that report that the incident resulted in a major prolonged closure of the M60.
The more significant disruption affecting motorists today is linked to planned roadworks and weekend closures.
M60 Junction 17 to 18 Closure
National Highways is carrying out work around the M60 Junction 18 Simister Island Interchange, a major project intended to increase capacity and address congestion in the area.
As part of the work, the M60 between Junction 17 and Junction 18 is subject to a full weekend closure.
For the current weekend, National Highways announced closures running from Saturday, September 26, into Monday, September 28. The closure arrangements vary by direction.
The project authority has warned motorists to expect significant congestion and advised drivers to avoid the affected section where possible.
Which Part of the M60 Is Closed?
The disruption is concentrated around the Junction 17 to Junction 18 section.
National Highways said the closure is required to allow contractors to remove five overhead gantries as part of the ongoing improvement project.
The work requires the motorway to be closed so that heavy equipment can operate safely and the road can be prepared before the carriageway is reopened.
Current Closure Arrangements
| M60 section | Direction | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Junction 17 to Junction 18 | Anticlockwise/westbound | Weekend closure |
| Junction 17 to Junction 18 | Clockwise/eastbound | Weekend closure |
| Junction 25 entry slip | Anticlockwise | Roadworks-related closure |
| Junction 8 area | Anticlockwise | Planned overnight lane restrictions |
National Highways has advised drivers to plan ahead because the closures are expected to place additional pressure on surrounding roads.
M60 Traffic and Congestion Updates
The M60 is currently affected by several separate road-management activities.
Traffic monitoring information shows an active closure affecting the M60 Junction 25 anticlockwise entry slip, associated with long-running construction work. Additional lane restrictions around Junction 8 are scheduled as part of vegetation and roadworks activity.
These works are separate from the earlier minor incident between Junctions 21 and 22.
This distinction is important for motorists because delays in one part of the motorway may be caused by planned construction rather than a collision.
Why Is the M60 Closed?
The main weekend closure between Junctions 17 and 18 is part of the wider Simister Island Interchange improvement project.
National Highways says the project is intended to create additional capacity at Junction 18 and support improvements to traffic flow around the interchange.
The wider project is scheduled to continue through the coming years, with National Highways listing an expected completion period of 2029/30.
The current weekend closure is being used to facilitate the safe removal of overhead gantries.
Are There Diversions for M60 Drivers?
Drivers approaching the affected section should follow signed diversion routes rather than attempting to pass through the closed section.
Because traffic conditions can change quickly, motorists are advised to check live traffic information before travelling and allow additional time for their journey.
The M60 closure is particularly significant because diverted traffic can increase congestion on surrounding local roads and alternative motorway routes.
Is There a Major M60 Crash Today?
The latest information reviewed does not establish a major crash as the reason for the principal M60 disruption today.
A minor incident was recorded earlier between Junctions 22 and 21 and was subsequently cleared. The prolonged disruption around Junctions 17 and 18 is instead associated with planned National Highways works and the weekend closure.
This means motorists searching for an “M60 crash today” should be careful when interpreting social-media posts or traffic headlines, as several separate incidents and roadworks can affect the motorway at the same time.
What Drivers Should Know
Motorists travelling on the M60 around Greater Manchester should:
- Check live traffic conditions before leaving.
- Allow extra time for journeys through the affected areas.
- Follow official diversion signs around closed sections.
- Avoid the Junction 17 to 18 section during the planned closure where possible.
- Expect heavier traffic on alternative routes.
- Check for updated information before beginning a long journey.
The situation can change as incidents are cleared or additional restrictions are introduced.
M60 Traffic Disruption: Key Facts
| Detail | Latest information |
|---|---|
| Motorway | M60 |
| Area | Greater Manchester |
| Date | Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| Earlier incident | Minor incident between J22 and J21 |
| Incident status | Cleared |
| Major current disruption | Planned weekend closure |
| Main affected section | Junction 17 to Junction 18 |
| Reason for closure | Simister Island Interchange works |
| Additional works | Junction 25 and Junction 8 areas |
| Advice | Check live traffic information and plan alternative routes |
Latest M60 Update
The latest available information indicates that the M60 is experiencing disruption today, but the most significant restriction is planned construction activity rather than a newly reported major crash.
The earlier minor incident between Junctions 22 and 21 was cleared relatively quickly, while the Junction 17 to 18 closure is part of the ongoing Simister Island Interchange project.
Drivers should continue checking live traffic information because conditions and restrictions can change throughout the day.
Disclaimer
This article is based on traffic information and official roadworks information available at the time of publication. Traffic conditions can change rapidly, and closures, delays and incident details may be updated by authorities. Readers should check current official traffic information before travelling and should not rely solely on this article for live road conditions.
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