Massive 70-minute delays and seven miles of gridlock after crash on M62
Drivers heading away for the Bank Holiday face severe delays on the M62 this afternoon following a major traffic collision in West Yorkshire
National Highways has confirmed that a crash between Junction 23 (Huddersfield / Outlane) and Junction 22 (Rishworth Moor) has brought the motorway to a near-standstill in both directions.
The incident has triggered massive delays in excess of 70 minutes on the approach, with gridlock extending back across seven miles of the trans-Pennine route.
Emergency services and traffic officers are currently on the scene dealing with the aftermath of the collision. The impact of the crash has affected both sides of the carriageway:
- M62 Westbound: Lane one (of three) is currently closed to allow emergency workers to operate safely.
- M62 Eastbound: Lanes two and three (of three) are closed to traffic, leaving only one running lane open for vehicles heading toward Leeds.
National Highways has warned that congestion is building rapidly as commuter traffic collides with the early Bank Holiday getaway rush.
Travel times through the area are expected to rise significantly over the next few hours while recovery operations take place.
A spokesperson for National Highways stated: “The M62 in West Yorkshire between J23 and J22 has Lane 1 westbound closed and Lanes 2 and 3 eastbound closed due to a traffic collision. There are delays in excess of 70 minutes on the approach with 7 miles of congestion.”
Motorists are strongly urged to avoid the route if possible, delay their journeys, or seek alternative trans-Pennine routes via the A62 or M61/A646 corridors to avoid becoming trapped in the queues.