M62 Traffic Chaos: Five Mile Queues After Tanker Fire Near Saddleworth and Huddersfield: New Updates

Published on July 7, 2025

Motorists traveling along the M62 were drastically affected today when a broken down and ignited tanker lorry formed huge queues along the eastbound and westbound carriageways. It occurred during extremely busy rush hour and has formed 5-mile long traffic jam, with motorists queuing for as long as 45 minutes in some areas.

The fire broke out on the eastbound section of the M62 between Junction 22 at Saddleworth and Junction 23 at Huddersfield, two key locations linking Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. Traffic on the opposite side of the motorway is also experiencing delays as onlookers slow down to view the scene. The fire was significant enough to cause a lane closure, and although recovery efforts are underway, the queues are expected to last for some time.

The Incident: Tanker Breakdown and Fire Cause Major Delays

According to traffic monitoring service Inrix, the incident occurred early in the morning when the tanker lorry broke down on the M62. The driver managed to detach the trailer from the petrol tank before the fire broke out. Witnesses at the scene reported that the driver was able to pull the tractor unit away from the tank, preventing further damage. However, the flames quickly spread, causing significant disruption during the morning rush hour.

A spokesperson for National Highways Yorkshire confirmed that emergency services were on the scene and recovery was being arranged. The fire, which led to a partial lane closure, has caused delays stretching back five miles. As of the latest update, all lanes have now reopened, but significant delays remain in place between Junction 22 and Junction 23, particularly on the eastbound side. Traffic monitoring services continue to report slow-moving traffic due to the lingering congestion.

Impact on Travelers: What You Need to Know

For commuters and travelers using the M62, the disruption is causing major headaches, especially during peak travel hours. While all lanes have reopened, delays of up to 45 minutes are still being reported on both sides of the motorway, with queues extending for several miles. These delays are further exacerbated by traffic slowing down on the westbound side, where drivers are likely rubbernecking at the scene of the fire.

Travelers should expect continued disruptions for the remainder of the day, particularly for those traveling between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. Those headed towards Huddersfield, Saddleworth, and surrounding areas should factor in extra travel time.

Travel Tips for Drivers Affected by M62 Delays:

1. Plan Your Journey in Advance: If you’re traveling between Saddleworth and Huddersfield today, allow extra time for delays. Use traffic apps or check official websites for live updates.
2. Use Alternative Routes: If possible, try to avoid the M62 altogether. Consider using local roads such as the A672 or A640, which might help you bypass the congestion, especially if you’re heading to Huddersfield or other nearby towns.
3. Stay Informed: Continue checking live traffic updates from National Highways and Inrix to stay on top of any changes in the situation. Lane closures could change depending on the ongoing recovery operations.
4. Avoid the Area if Possible: If your journey is flexible and not urgent, consider postponing travel through this stretch of the M62. The congestion is expected to persist throughout the day.
5. Drive Safely: While you may be frustrated by the delays, keep your focus on the road and remain cautious, especially in traffic-heavy areas. Be mindful of sudden stops or slower-moving vehicles around you.

The Bigger Picture: Ongoing Traffic Disruptions Across the M62

The M62 has long been a critical route for commuters traveling between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. As one of the busiest motorways in the UK, incidents like the tanker breakdown can have far-reaching effects on traffic flow, not only in the immediate area but also on the surrounding roads as motorists seek alternative routes.

Given the high traffic volumes and the frequency of incidents on the M62, these types of disruptions are becoming increasingly common. Authorities continue to work on improving traffic management systems and infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of such significant delays in the future. However, for now, travelers must contend with the reality of heavy traffic and unforeseen disruptions.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts and Future Precautions

As emergency services continue to manage the aftermath of the fire, recovery operations will continue throughout the day. National Highways and West Yorkshire Police are working closely to ensure that the situation is resolved as quickly and safely as possible.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a robust recovery plan for high-traffic motorways. The coordination between emergency responders, recovery teams, and traffic management is crucial in ensuring that such disruptions are dealt with promptly to prevent further inconvenience to travelers.

Bottom Line: Patience and Preparedness Are Key

This M62 fire incident has thus far created several disruptions for motorists, particularly when driving between Saddleworth and Huddersfield. Although recovery procedures are currently in place, the disruptions will likely take several hours. It’s best for commuters to be prepared in advance, remain flexible through alternative routes, and keep track of traffic so as they can minimize stay times. As recovery procedures take place, it’s best to remain patient and prepared for any further disruptions throughout the day. Stay informed, and drive safely.