Flooding on M60 sparks morning traffic chaos in Heywood and Middleton

Thursday, 15 January 2026 10:01

By David Murphy

Commuters faced severe disruption this morning as flooding forced the closure of a key section of the M60, bringing widespread gridlock across Heywood and Middleton.

The closure followed a burst water main between junctions 15 and 16, compounding delays already caused by overrunning roadworks between Junction 17 at Prestwich and Junction 14 for the East Lancs Road.

National Highways confirmed that the carriageway will remain shut until it can be made safe, with diversions in place and further delays likely throughout the day.

As traffic built up towards Simister Island, queues on the M62 stretched back to Junction 19 at Heywood. Tailbacks were also reported across Middleton, particularly around Junction 20 of the M60, with congestion along Manchester New Road and Oldham Road.

Traffic leaving the M62 at Junction 20 added to the problem, as drivers attempted to bypass the motorway by cutting through Middleton. Rochdale Road and routes into the town centre became heavily congested, with long waits reported by residents and commuters.

Manchester Old Road, which feeds into Junction 19 near Heaton Park, was also jammed. Locals took to social media to vent their frustration, with many reporting delays of up to 40 minutes just to cross the town.

Long delays due to roadworks that overran earlier and earlier flooding on M60 anticlockwise from J17 A56 Bury New Road (Prestwich / Whitefield) to J14 A580 East Lancashire Road. Congestion to J20 (Rochdale). All lanes have now re-opened.

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