Heavy delays near Prestwich and Simister Island after M60 breakdown blocks lanes

Friday, 5 December 2025 10:44

By David Murphy

Traffic is building around Prestwich and Simister Island this morning after a vehicle broke down on the M60

Motorists are facing severe delays near Prestwich after a breakdown blocked two lanes of the M60 anticlockwise at junction 16, Pendlebury, on Thursday morning, 5 December. Congestion has built up rapidly, with queues backing past Simister Island and affecting traffic on the M62 westbound from Heywood.

Traffic was briefly brought to a standstill as highways teams responded to the incident just after 9am. Recovery crews were confirmed to be on their way shortly before 9.50am, but by 10.30am, two of four lanes remained closed.

Long tailbacks are now affecting key routes around Prestwich and Simister Island, a major interchange connecting the M60 and M62. Heavy queues can be seen on the M60 through junction 17, where drivers are struggling to pass the backlog. The exit slip road at junction 16 is also partially blocked, adding further delays for those trying to leave the motorway.

Delays of up to 30 minutes have been reported. Motorists travelling through the area are being urged to allow extra time or seek alternative routes where possible.

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