LIVE: Snow updates, traffic and travel for the 'first day back' in 2026

Monday, 5 January 2026 07:09

By David Murphy

Image sent in from a listener from Belfield in Rochdale

Greater Manchester is expecting disruption this morning as snowfall and freezing temperatures combine with the first major commuter and school run of 2026.

We're bringing you all of the live updates this morning on this live blog.

Temperatures dropped to around minus seven overnight, leaving roads and pavements across the region coated in ice.

Weather alerts remain in force, with further snow expected in higher areas including Littleborough, Milnrow and Whitworth. Drivers are being advised to avoid travelling unless essential, with long delays already reported on the M62.

Some train services through Rochdale have also been disrupted, with temporary station closures adding to the difficulties.

17:11

David Murphy

M60 J19-20 RHODES

The carriageway closest to the camera is Clockwise

09:23

David Murphy

M60 - GREATER MANCHESTER - CLOCKWISE

M60 clockwise partially blocked, slow traffic due to obstruction on the road at J21 A663 Broadway J21 (Hollinwood).

M61 - GREATER MANCHESTER - SOUTHBOUND

M61 Southbound clear at J1 M60 (Swinton Interchange).

A56 - TOWNSEND FOLD - SOUTHBOUND - LANCASHIRE

Road cleared and traffic easing, accident cleared on A56 Southbound from A680 Manchester Road (Townsend Fold) to M66 (Ramsbottom Junction, Edenfield ).

08:54

David Murphy

M67 - GREATER MANCHESTER - WESTBOUND

Traffic easing on M67 Westbound at M60 (Denton Island).

Source: INRIX Speed Sensors.

08:53

David Murphy

Marland Golf Course has posted on social media this morning that the Course is closed today Monday 5th January.

08:39

David Murphy

The carriageway closest to the camera is Anticlockwise. M60 Junction 20 - Rochdale Road showing this morning's traffic.

The carriageway closest to the camera is Clockwise. M60 - J20/J21 Blackley

The carriageway closest to the camera is Eastbound. M62 Junction 18-19

08:25

David Murphy

M61 - GREATER MANCHESTER - SOUTHBOUND

Delays on M61 Southbound at J1 M60 (Swinton Interchange). Travel time is 25 minutes.

M67 - GREATER MANCHESTER - WESTBOUND

Usual congestion on M67 Westbound at M60 ( Denton Island).

A56 - TOWNSEND FOLD - SOUTHBOUND - LANCASHIRE

A56 Southbound partially blocked, queueing traffic due to accident from A680 Manchester Road (Townsend Fold) to M66 (Ramsbottom Junction, Edenfield ).

08:01

David Murphy

Image sent to us this morning by a listener from Alkrington.

07:17

David Murphy

Bury Council posted on their Facebook page that four gritters had been out overnight treating all their core routes.

A reminder that not every road gets gritted, as 'no council does this', but the 142 miles of their important road get gritted, which benefits most people.

Rochdale Council have also advised that gritters have been out.

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