How Long Is the M62 Closed? Serious Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Westbound Between J22 and J21

Quick answer: How long will the M62 closure last? A serious multi-vehicle collision closed the M62 westbound between J22 (Denshaw) and J21 (Rochdale) in Greater Manchester just before 11pm on Saturday 10 October 2026. Greater Manchester Police described the crash as "serious", and the motorway was expected to stay shut for several hours into Sunday morning. No casualty figures had been published at the time of reporting.

Key facts

• What: Multi-vehicle crash (road accident)
• Where: M62 westbound between J22 (Denshaw) and J21 (Rochdale), Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
• Reported: 11 October 2026, via Manchester Evening News
• Reported toll: no casualty figures confirmed at the time of reporting
• Status: developing — figures may change

What happened

Just before 11pm on Saturday night, several vehicles were involved in a serious collision on the westbound carriageway of the M62 between junctions 22 and 21 in Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester Police closed the westbound motorway, and National Highways traffic officers attended to manage the scene.

Because of the large amount of debris across the carriageway, officers warned the closure could last for several hours while accident investigation work and a long clean-up operation were carried out. Motorists were warned to expect delays well into Sunday morning.

Diversion route

National Highways issued a diversion for westbound traffic caught in the closure:

• J22: Leave the M62 and take the A672 southbound
• A62: Join the A62/Huddersfield Road towards Oldham
• Oldham Way: Continue onto the A62 Oldham Way, then the A627
• Chadderton Roundabout: Stay on the A627 to Chadderton Roundabout
• A627(M): Take the A627(M) slip road and rejoin the M62 at J20 Thornham Island

Meanwhile, the M60 at Simister Island was also fully shut on Saturday, adding to traffic chaos across Greater Manchester.

If you drive on routes like this

• Slow down in unfamiliar conditions: every 1% of extra speed raises fatal-crash risk about 4%
• Never assume the other vehicle sees you at night or in rain — drive as if it doesn't
• On two-lane roads, treat every overtake as the highest-risk moment of the trip
• Wear the seatbelt in every seat; rear belts save lives in head-on impacts
• Know the local emergency number before you travel — our emergency numbers directory covers every country

What happens next

Police normally publish a confirmed casualty count within 24 to 48 hours once the injured are counted and victims identified. A crash investigation follows: vehicle condition, speed, driver hours and road condition. We update the United Kingdom live page as new reports surface; the original outlet linked below will carry the confirmed figures first.

Frequently asked questions

Which stretch of the M62 is closed?

The westbound carriageway between J22 (Denshaw) and J21 (Rochdale) in Greater Manchester, after a serious multi-vehicle collision late on Saturday 10 October 2026.

How many people were injured in the M62 crash?

No casualty figures had been confirmed at the time of reporting. Greater Manchester Police described the collision as "serious", and updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

What is the diversion route around the M62 closure?

Westbound traffic should leave at J22 onto the A672 southbound, follow the A62 towards Oldham and the A627 to Chadderton Roundabout, then take the A627(M) slip to rejoin the M62 at J20 Thornham Island.

Follow this story

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*This is a developing story compiled from verified reporting; figures may change as official information is released.*

Source: Manchester Evening News — https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/m62-closed-live-motorway-shut-34747386. Live tracking: our world map updates every 15 minutes.