M60 closed after serious crash involving motorbike near Simister Island

Friday, 1 August 2025 21:45

By David Murphy

The carriageway closest to the camera is Anticlockwise, J19. Credit: National Highways

The M60 has been shut in both directions tonight, Friday, 1 August, following a serious crash involving a motorcyclist.

The collision happened between Junctions 18, Simister Island, and 19, near Middleton, just after 9pm. Both Greater Manchester Police and National Highways have confirmed that the road will remain closed for a “prolonged period” while emergency teams attend the scene.

Paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service are also involved in the response, though no official update has yet been issued on the condition of those involved.

National Highways has advised motorists to avoid the area and to follow signed diversion routes. A pre-planned closure for roadworks between Junctions 21 and 19 on the anti-clockwise carriageway is also in place tonight, meaning the full anti-clockwise route is closed between Junctions 21 and 18.

Traffic officers and contractors are currently managing the scene and helping to redirect vehicles.

Drivers heading clockwise are being advised to:

Exit at Junction 18 and travel anti-clockwise to Junction 17
Take the A56, then the A6044 and A576
Rejoin the M60 clockwise at Junction 19

For those heading anti-clockwise, the recommended route is:

Leave at Junction 21 via Semple Way
Use the A663 and A6104, then follow the A576
Continue towards the A6044 and A56 to rejoin at Junction 17

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “The M60 in Greater Manchester is currently closed in both directions due to a serious collision involving a motorcyclist. The closure is likely to remain in place overnight while police carry out investigation work.”

Drivers are urged to check live travel updates and allow extra time for journeys.