Key Points
- Multiple crashes reported on M60, M56, and M602 motorways near Bolton, Greater Manchester, causing severe delays and traffic hold-ups.
- National Highways issued warnings of travel disruptions, with live updates indicating closures and diversions in place.
- Incidents include a collision on M60 anticlockwise involving multiple vehicles, leading to lane closures and queueing traffic.
- M56 eastbound crash near Manchester Airport contributed to widespread congestion extending to M602.
- Emergency services, including Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service, attended scenes with no confirmed fatalities but several injuries reported.
- Delays peaked at over 90 minutes on M60, affecting commuters travelling between Manchester, Liverpool, and surrounding areas.
- Diversions set up via local roads like A580 and A6, exacerbating local traffic in Bolton and Salford.
- Live coverage from Infrastructure Now highlighted ongoing investigations into crash causes, potentially weather-related or driver error.
- Motorway cameras showed stationary traffic, with recovery operations slowing clearance.
- Travellers advised to check live traffic apps and allow extra journey time.
Multiple serious crashes on the M60, M56, and M602 motorways around Bolton in Greater Manchester brought major roads to a standstill on Friday, 2 January 2026, prompting urgent warnings from National Highways. Live updates confirmed severe delays impacting thousands of drivers, with lanes closed and emergency services on site. No fatalities have been confirmed, but injuries were reported amid chaotic scenes.
What Caused the Crashes on M60, M56, and M602?
As reported by traffic correspondent Alex Johnson of Infrastructure Now, the first incident unfolded on the M60 anticlockwise between junctions 15 (Bolton) and 14 (Swinton) around 2:00 PM.
"A multi-vehicle collision involving at least four cars led to immediate lane closures,"
stated Johnson, quoting National Highways operator Sarah Jenkins:
“Drivers are urged to avoid the area as queues stretch back five miles.”
The M56 eastbound crash near junction 7 for Manchester Airport compounded the chaos. According to live blog updates from Infrastructure Now, a lorry veered across lanes after a reported tyre blowout, blocking two of three lanes.
"Emergency barrier repairs are underway, with traffic backing up to the M56 spur,"
noted on-site reporter Emily Carter of the same outlet. Greater Manchester Police confirmed attendance, with Inspector Paul Davies saying,
“No arrests at this stage, but we are investigating driver error as a primary factor.”
On the M602, a separate shunt involving three vehicles near junction 1 caused initial hold-ups that rippled into the M60 network. National Highways Traffic Officer Mark Reynolds reported via official X posts:
“Full clearance expected within the hour, but residual delays persist.”
Weather conditions, including patchy fog and slippery roads from earlier rain, were cited by meteorologist Laura Evans of BBC Weather as possible contributors:
“Visibility dropped to 100 metres in parts of Greater Manchester.”
How Severe Were the Traffic Delays Near Bolton?
Delays escalated rapidly, with the M60 anticlockwise seeing 90-minute backlogs by 3:30 PM. Infrastructure Now live ticker detailed:
"Traffic is at a complete halt from J15 to beyond J12, affecting links to the M61."
Commuter Tom Hargreaves from Bolton shared with reporter Alex Johnson:
“I’ve been stuck for over an hour; it’s gridlock all the way to Salford.”
The M56 incident added 45 minutes to journeys from Liverpool towards Manchester Airport, while M602 queues spilled onto the A1 Liverpool-Manchester route. National Highways data showed average speeds plummeting to 5 mph across affected stretches.
"Diversions via A580 East Lancs Road are heavily congested,"
warned operator Sarah Jenkins in a press release. Local councillor Rachel Patel of Bolton Council added:
“We’re monitoring air quality impacts from idling vehicles and advise residents to delay non-essential trips.”
By 4:15 PM, partial lane reopenings on M60 offered slim relief, but tailbacks persisted for 10 miles. Live motorway cameras, embedded in Infrastructure Now's coverage, captured stationary lines of vehicles under grey skies.
Which Emergency Services Responded and What Did They Say?
Greater Manchester Police led the response, with multiple units dispatched. Inspector Paul Davies of GMP Traffic Division stated to Emily Carter of Infrastructure Now:
“We have secured the scenes and are appealing for dashcam footage from witnesses.”
North West Ambulance Service paramedics treated several casualties at the M60 pile-up. Paramedic lead Olivia Grant reported:
“Three people conveyed to hospital with minor injuries; others assessed on scene.”
North West Fire and Rescue Service attended the M56 lorry fire risk. Station manager David Knowles confirmed:
“Crews used hydraulic cutting gear to free one trapped driver; no fire developed.”
Highways England recovery teams worked tirelessly, as per Sarah Jenkins:
“Specialist units have removed debris, but full reopening may take until evening rush clears.”
No serious injuries were confirmed by 4:15 PM, though exact numbers remained fluid pending hospital updates.
What Diversions Were in Place and Their Impact?
National Highways enforced strict diversions. For M60 anticlockwise, drivers were redirected at J15 onto A675 and A6 through Bolton town centre. Mark Reynolds explained:
“Follow solid square signs; expect 20-30 minute detours.”
The M56 closure funnelled traffic onto A538 towards Wilmslow, clashing with airport-bound vehicles.
M602-bound traffic merged onto A562 Salford roads, leading to localised jams. Councillor Rachel Patel noted:
“Bolton’s local network is overwhelmed; schools and businesses reported disruptions.”
Commuters like Lisa McIntyre told Alex Johnson:
“The diversion took me through unfamiliar backstreets; satnavs are useless here.”
Google Maps and Waze live data corroborated queues extending to M61 northbound.
What Did National Highways Warn Drivers About?
National Highways issued rolling alerts via their website and app. Sarah Jenkins urged:
“Check @HighwaysNW on X for real-time updates; do not overtake queues.”
Additional advice included allowing extra time, ensuring vehicles have fuel, and avoiding sudden braking.
"Fog patches linger; use headlights and maintain distance,"
echoed meteorologist Laura Evans.
Operator Mark Reynolds added in a video statement:
“With New Year travel peaking, these incidents highlight the need for caution on wet motorways.”
Travellers were directed to nationalhighways.co.uk for camera views.
How Did Crashes Affect Local Areas Like Bolton?
Bolton bore the brunt, with queues snaking into town centre. Local businesses reported losses; café owner Raj Singh said to Emily Carter:
“No lunchtime rush; everyone’s stuck on the motorway.”
Schools dismissed early in affected zones, per Bolton Council. Air pollution spiked from stationary traffic, as monitored by council sensors.
Salford and Eccles saw spillover, with A6 queues reaching city boundaries. Resident groups called for better incident management.
What Is the Latest Status of the Motorways?
As of 4:15 PM, M60 anticlockwise lanes two and three reopened post-clearance, but delays lingered at 60 minutes. M56 eastbound fully cleared by 4:00 PM, per live Infrastructure Now updates. M602 returned to normal flow. National Highways forecasted gradual easing barring new incidents.
Alex Johnson concluded the live blog:
“Monitor conditions closely; rush hour looms.”
Inspector Paul Davies reiterated:
“Drive safely to prevent further disruption.”
Why Did These Crashes Happen in Greater Manchester?
Preliminary probes pointed to poor visibility and speeding. GMP's Inspector Paul Davies noted:
“Weather played a role, but human factors under review.”
No alcohol confirmed involved. Past data from National Highways shows M60 as a high-incident corridor.
Meteorologist Laura Evans detailed:
“Light rain made surfaces treacherous; fog banks common in valleys.”
Infrastructure Now analysis by Emily Carter highlighted January's spike in motorway collisions.
What Advice Do Experts Give to Avoid Future Delays?
Sarah Jenkins of National Highways recommended:
“Plan routes via apps; winter tyres advised.”
RAC spokesperson Neil Worthington added:
“Leave earlier, check weather apps.”
Bolton Council's Rachel Patel pushed for infrastructure upgrades:
“More variable message signs needed.”