A major crash has brought the M66 motorway in Greater Manchester to a standstill, causing significant disruption to travelers. But here's where it gets controversial—the closure is due to a serious four-vehicle collision, and the incident's impact is far-reaching.
The incident occurred on the evening of February 15, and the southbound carriageway between Junction 1 (Ramsbottom) and Junction 2 (Bury) is currently shut down. Emergency services are on the scene, managing the aftermath of the crash. The closure was first reported around 10:30 pm, and it's unclear when the road will reopen, leaving drivers in limbo.
A spokesperson from National Highways provided a statement, saying, "The M66 is closed southbound due to a severe collision involving four vehicles. Greater Manchester Police are leading the response, and the investigation is underway." They also noted the unique challenge of Junction 1's layout, which lacks a proper southbound exit slip, requiring the closure to be managed from the A56 Edenfield junction.
Inrix, a traffic data company, confirmed the closure and provided a diversion route for affected road users. This route involves a series of turns and junctions, starting from the A56 southbound at the A56/A676 roundabout, and eventually rejoining the M66 southbound at Junction 2.
This breaking news story is developing, and the public is advised to follow live updates for the latest information. The closure remains in place, and the incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the potential impact on commuters.
And this is the part most people miss—the closure's duration is uncertain, leaving travelers with questions about their daily commute. How will this closure affect the morning rush hour? Will the investigation and cleanup process take hours or days? These are the questions on everyone's minds.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Do you think the authorities are handling the situation effectively? What could have been done to prevent such a collision?
