UK Motorways in Chaos As Long Delays and Major Lane Closures Bring Greater Manchester and Cheshire to a Standstill

Published on December 12, 2025

Motorists in Greater Manchester and Cheshire are facing significant delays as roadworks overrun and accidents cause lane closures on three major motorways. Drivers are encountering congestion, with delays stretching up to 45 minutes on the M6 southbound due to overrunning scheduled roadworks.

The work, managed by National Highways, is taking place on the M6 southbound between junctions 20 at Lymm and 19 at Knutsford. This section of the motorway has been reduced to a single lane, causing long queues for those trying to get through the area. The exit slip road at junction 19 has also been fully closed, further contributing to the traffic bottleneck.

M6 Southbound Roadworks Cause Major Disruptions

According to official reports from National Highways, two out of three lanes are closed on the M6 southbound between junction 20 and junction 19. The roadworks, which were initially planned to be completed overnight, have now overrun, creating extensive delays. The slip road at junction 19 is also closed for the time being, leaving motorists with limited options to divert.

Drivers are advised to prepare for longer travel times, as traffic has built up to around three miles of congestion on approach to the affected area. National Highways has issued updates urging road users to allow extra time for their journeys to avoid missing appointments and to mitigate the impact of the delays. The current delay is reported to be around 45 minutes, with congestion continuing to increase as the morning rush hour progresses.

Accidents Contribute to Delays on M61 and M62

In addition to the roadworks, other disruptions have been reported on nearby motorways. A crash on the M61 southbound has caused another lane closure, further compounding traffic woes for commuters in the region. The incident occurred between junction three at the Kearsley Spur and junction two at the East Lancs Road, resulting in one lane being shut off to facilitate emergency response operations.

Similarly, the M62 westbound is also experiencing delays after a collision between junctions 12 (M60 Eccles Interchange) and 11 (Birchwood). With one lane closed, motorists are facing slow-moving traffic and building queues as they navigate the accident scene.

Impact on Daily Commutes and Local Travel

The delays on these major motorways in Greater Manchester and Cheshire are expected to cause disruptions for the thousands of commuters who rely on these routes daily. The M6, M61, and M62 are key arterial roads connecting various towns, cities, and industrial hubs, making them crucial for local and regional economies.

National Highways has advised all drivers to plan ahead and consider alternate routes where possible. The lane closures, combined with the accidents, have significantly slowed traffic, and it is expected that the delays will continue until the works are completed and the accidents cleared.

The morning rush hour has been particularly affected, with significant traffic jams extending for miles in the affected areas. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing regular updates, aiming to minimize the impact on commuters.

Safety Measures and Road Closures

Authorities are prioritising safety while the roadworks continue, ensuring that appropriate traffic management measures are in place. However, drivers are reminded to exercise caution and drive to the conditions, particularly in areas where the lanes are reduced, and roadworks are ongoing.

It is unclear how long the roadworks will continue in the region, but National Highways has committed to completing the necessary repairs and maintenance as quickly as possible to restore normal traffic flow. The focus remains on ensuring that the roads are safe for use once all works are concluded.

How to Navigate the Traffic: Tips for Motorists

Motorists heading through Greater Manchester and Cheshire should consider several strategies to mitigate the delays caused by lane closures and accidents. Here are some tips for navigating the traffic disruptions:

1. Check Traffic Updates: Before embarking on any journey, it is recommended to check real-time traffic updates on official platforms such as National Highways and local traffic management services. This will help you stay informed about any new developments or additional closures.
2. Use Alternative Routes: If possible, try to use alternate routes to avoid the heavily congested areas. The M56, M62, and A49 are some of the other options available for those looking to bypass the closures on the M6.
3. Allow Extra Travel Time: Given the extent of the delays, it is advisable to allocate more time for your journey, especially if you need to meet deadlines or appointments.
4. Carpooling: For those travelling with others, consider carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which can help alleviate some of the congestion.

Overview

As roadworks and accidents continue to cause long delays on key motorways in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, commuters are urged to exercise patience and plan their travel accordingly. With lane closures and overrun works on the M6, as well as accidents affecting the M61 and M62, drivers are facing some of the most significant disruptions in recent months.

National Highways and local authorities are working diligently to manage the situation, but it is expected that delays may continue throughout the morning and possibly into the afternoon. Motorists should expect long queues and adjust their travel plans accordingly to avoid getting stuck in the traffic.