Drivers across Greater Manchester are waking up to severe delays this morning after a major late crash brought Simister Island to a complete deadlock.
The busy motorway cloverleaf, which links the M60, M62, and M66, remains unrestricted, causing significant traffic and long snarls across the region.
Exigency services were called to the scene at around 2144 GMT on Sunday night (16 November) following a serious collision on the approach to the junction.
The crash has had a knock-on effect on several crucial routes, with business traffic steadily increasing since the early hours.
#M66 southbound has reopened between J3 and M60/M62. @GMPolice investigations continue at scene and are expected to last through the morning.
The #M66 is now closed both ways within the #M60/M62 junction and all access to #Simister Island remains closed. pic.twitter.com/6p3nt4CKBm
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) November 17, 2025
In a statement, National Highways confirmed: “M66 southbound has reopened between J3 and M60/M62. Police investigations continue at the scene and are expected to last through the morning.
The M66 is now closed both ways within the M60/M62 junction, and all access to #Simister Island remains closed.”
While part of the M66 has now restarted, the stretch passing through the M60/ M62 junction is still blocked off, and there’s no clear suggestion yet of when the cloverleaf will be completely renewed.
Motorists are reporting long ranges on the M60 ring road, with business crawling in places. The M62 eastbound is also passing heavier traffic than usual as diversions deflect vehicles down from the check.
Prints participated by commuters show cushion-to-cushion business across several long hauls, adding to the frustration of those trying to get to work or trip across the region.
For many, the closure of Simister Island, one of the busiest motorway capitals in the North West, is causing major delays that could last well into the day.
Authorities are prompting motorists to plan ahead, allow redundant time, and use indispensable routes where possible. With police examinations still underway at the scene, the anticipation is that Simister Island will remain shut for some time.
Further updates from National Highways and Greater Manchester Police are anticipated as the situation develops.
