M60 chaos after fatal incident causes full closure until midnight

Sunday, 20 July 2025 22:00

By David Murphy

Severe delays expected near Heaton Park and M60 junctions 19–21 following Sunday motorway fatality

Motorists are being urged to avoid the M60 near Heaton Park following a fatal incident that has forced the closure of both carriageways between junctions 19 and 21. The closure, which is expected to remain in place until at least midnight, is causing widespread disruption across the Greater Manchester road network.

The incident, which occurred earlier on Sunday, 20 July, has resulted in emergency services sealing off a major stretch of the motorway in both directions. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a “large number of resources” have been deployed on both the M60 and nearby local routes to manage the impact.

The disruption comes as thousands of people are expected to travel to Heaton Park for the final night of the Oasis reunion concerts, significantly increasing pressure on local infrastructure.

In a statement released this evening, authorities said: “We’re warning of severe delays on the M60 tonight after a fatal incident earlier on Sunday. Both directions are expected to remain closed between junctions 19 and 21 until midnight.”

Police are advising all motorists to avoid the area entirely if possible and are asking anyone planning to travel tonight to check live traffic updates and allow extra time for their journey.

“Those planning to travel must prepare for severe delays and plan their journey ahead,” the statement added. “We thank the public for their patience and cooperation.”

This is the second significant traffic disruption in the Rochdale-Manchester corridor this week, following ongoing issues caused by resurfacing works and diverted bus routes linked to the Bee Network rollout.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, and investigations into the incident remain ongoing. Greater Manchester Police have not confirmed whether the collision involved multiple vehicles or other contributing circumstances.

Updates will be provided via social media and the official Greater Manchester Police website as more details become available.

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