Drivers in Greater Manchester faced chaos this morning as part of the M66 was closed after a multi-vehicle crash coincided with flooding caused by Storm Bram. Rush hour motorists endured long delays in both directions near Ramsbottom.
According to the business monitoring service Inrix, the motorway is shut between junction one and the A56.
The collision occurred on the southbound expressway, but the northbound side was also temporarily closed as a safety precaution.
Inrix reported earlier: “All traffic is being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to flooding and an accident on the M66 Southbound from A56 (Ramsbottom Junction) to J1 A56 Walmersley Road (Ramsbottom).”
They later added: “M66 Southbound closed, long delays due to flooding and accident from A56 (Ramsbottom Junction) to J1 A56 Walmersley Road (Ramsbottom). Sensors show northbound has been released.”
M66 Southbound Closed After Crash
The incident happened around 6.15 am as heavy rain lashed the region. A unheroic rainfall warning remains in effect, with Storm Bram anticipated to bring patient cloudbursts throughout the day.
The storm has already forced closures elsewhere, including the Severn Bridge, causing disruption across the country.
A spokesperson from National Highways said: “The M66 southbound in Greater Manchester is closed between the A56/A676 (Edenfield) and J1 (Walmersley) due to a multi-vehicle collision and flooding on the carriageway.
The #M66 is closed between the #A676 #A56 (#Edenfield) and #M66 J1 (#Walmersley) due to a collision and flooding on the carriageway.
Traffic Officers are on scene.
There are approx 3.5 miles congestion on approach causing at least 40 min delays above normal journey time. pic.twitter.com/vu09ixLfAg
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) December 9, 2025
As a result of the collision, there is also significant central reservation barrier damage. National Highways Traffic Officers and Area Teams are on scene working to clear the floodwater. The barrier damage will be assessed and repaired once the flood water has cleared.”
Flooding and Rush Hour Delays
Motorists can anticipate delays of around 30 twinkles approaching the area. While the northbound side has restarted, the southbound expressway remains closed as crews work to remove flood tide water and repair the damaged walls.
This check comes amid wide dislocation caused by Storm Bram, which has bombarded much of the region with heavy rain and breezy winds.
The storm is expected to hit several parts of the UK throughout the day, creating hazardous driving conditions.
Motorists are being urged to check live traffic updates and allow extra time for journeys, with many drivers advised to consider alternative routes to avoid the flooded sections of the motorway.
The M66 check highlights the combination of severe rainfall and motorway accidents, which can quickly escalate rush hour delays and affect the surrounding roads.
Commuters are reminded to drive precisely, follow sanctioned updates, and remain patient as National Highways brigades work to restore safe conditions.
