Key Points
- Two M62 lanes shut eastbound
- Flooding caused by heavy overnight rain
- Closures between J11 Birchwood and J12 M60
- National Highways urges drivers to take care
- Traffic delays reported across Greater Manchester
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 7, 2026 – Two lanes of the M62 have been closed in Bolton due to flooding caused by heavy rain, with National Highways warning motorists to “take care on approach” and expect significant delays. As reported by Sarah Thompson of the Liverpool Echo, the closures affect the eastbound carriageway between Junction 11, serving Birchwood, and Junction 12, which connects to the M60. According to a National Highways spokesperson cited by Thompson, the decision to shut two lanes was taken after standing water built up on the carriageway following prolonged rainfall across the northwest.
As detailed by Ben Carter of the Manchester Evening News, the lane closures were first reported around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, with traffic‑monitoring service INRIX logging “two lanes closed on the M62 eastbound from J11 (Birchwood) to J12 (M60 interchange) due to flooding in the carriageway.” Carter wrote that the disruption coincided with rush‑hour traffic, leading to long queues and diversions through surrounding routes in Bolton and Warrington.
Why were two lanes shut?
The decision to close two lanes rather than the full carriageway was made to balance safety with keeping the motorway partially open, as explained by the National Highways spokesperson speaking to Sarah Thompson of the Liverpool Echo.
The spokesperson said: “Two lanes on the M62 eastbound between J11 Birchwood and J12 M60 are closed due to flooding in the carriageway following heavy rain. Please take care on approach.”
As noted by Thompson, standing water can severely reduce tyre grip and increase the risk of aquaplaning, particularly at motorway speeds. She added that officers and traffic‑management teams were on site deploying cones and signs to guide drivers through the remaining open lanes. According to INRIX data cited by Carter of the Manchester Evening News, congestion built up quickly, with journey times on the M62 eastbound stretching well beyond normal levels.
How bad are the delays?
The lane closures have triggered long delays across the wider M62 corridor, affecting journeys into and out of Bolton, Warrington, and Manchester. As reported by Ben Carter of the Manchester Evening News, INRIX recorded “two lanes closed on the M62 eastbound from J11 (Birchwood) to J12 (M60 interchange) due to flooding,” with tailbacks extending back towards junctions further west.
Carter noted that alternative routes such as the A57, A580, and local roads around Birchwood and Eccles have also become heavily congested as drivers seek to avoid the flooded section.
He quoted a driver, identified only as “Mark, 42”, who told the Manchester Evening News: “I’ve been stuck for nearly an hour trying to get from Warrington to Manchester – it’s chaos out there.”
As highlighted by coverage aggregated on Ground News, the disruption comes at a time when the northwest is experiencing persistent rain, compounding the impact on already busy road networks. The Ground News summary added that motorists were being advised to allow extra time for journeys and to check live traffic updates before setting off.
What is the weather situation?
The flooding on the M62 is linked to a spell of heavy rain across the northwest, with the Met Office forecasting continued wet conditions into the early hours of Saturday. As reported by Sarah Thompson of the Liverpool Echo, the most recent Met Office update for the region indicated that rain would persist throughout the evening and into the night, with some clearer spells developing from the south overnight.
The Met Office forecast, cited by Thompson, said: “Remaining cloudy evening as it clears from the north. Some clearer spells will develop from the south overnight, although cloud will linger over the hills in the east. Winds will become light during the night, and it will be largely frost‑free, with a minimum temperature of 5°C.”
As noted by the Express coverage on the incident, such weather patterns can quickly overwhelm drainage systems on motorways and urban roads, especially where surface‑water drainage is already under strain. The Express report added that drivers should be prepared for further disruption if rain continues into the weekend.
What are National Highways and councils saying?
National Highways has reiterated its advice for drivers to exercise caution when approaching the affected section of the M62.
As quoted by Sarah Thompson of the Liverpool Echo, the National Highways spokesperson said: “Two lanes on the M62 eastbound between J11 Birchwood and J12 M60 are closed due to flooding in the carriageway following heavy rain. Please take care on approach.”
According to information from Bolton Council’s flood‑defence pages, the local authority is responsible for managing the risk of surface‑water flooding and flooding from minor watercourses, including highway drainage and roadside ditches. The council’s website states that it investigates where land not normally covered in water becomes submerged and works with communities to avoid inappropriate development in flood‑risk areas.
As outlined in Bolton Council’s flooding‑advice page, residents are urged to check the council’s social‑media channels for the latest information and guidance during flood events. The page notes that flooding in homes can be caused by burst pipes, overloaded sewers or drains during heavy storms, or overland flooding due to high water tables and saturated ground.
How are drivers being advised to respond?
Motorists travelling near the affected stretch of the M62 are being advised to avoid the area if possible and to use alternative routes where practical. As reported by Ben Carter of the Manchester Evening News, traffic‑management services and navigation apps have been updated to reflect the lane closures and to suggest detours.
Carter added that drivers should reduce speed when approaching flooded sections, even on open lanes, and avoid driving through deep standing water.
He quoted a National Highways safety message: “If it’s flooded, forget it – turn around and find another route.”
As noted by coverage on the AA’s traffic‑news page, motorists should also allow extra time for journeys, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and be prepared for sudden braking in heavy rain. The AA’s M62 traffic‑news page states that incidents such as flooding can cause long delays and recommends checking live updates before travelling.