M62 open in both directions

Photo: Google DigitalGlobe

M62

The M62 opened to all vehicles in both directions in the early hours of Saturday 3 March. The A58 between Littleborough and Ripponden and the A672 between Denshaw and Rishworth have both been reopened too.

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “The M62 across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire has fully reopened between J20-J22 (east) and J24-J21 (west). Many thanks for your patience during this closure.”

A Highways England spokesperson added weather conditions "had improved but are still not great.

"Once wind speeds dropped below 60mph and it was safe to do so, Highways England was able to reopen the road in both directions at 2.25am this morning."

Highways England has been constantly monitoring wind speeds over Rakewood viaduct since wind speeds peaked at 93mph on Thursday night. Crews of gritting teams have been spreading salt on the motorway to keep it free from ice so that the motorway was ready to be opened as soon as wind speeds allowed.

Andrew Charnick, Emergency Planning Manager at Highways England, said: “We’ve been working throughout the night to reopen the road as soon as it was safe to do so and we would like to thank drivers for their patience. The weather remains wintery over the Pennines and we ask drivers to take extra care and drive to the conditions.”

Mark Widdup, Director of Neighbourhoods, Rochdale Borough Council said: “A big thanks to everyone who has worked round the clock.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) urged people only to venture out if absolutely necessary.

Greater Manchester Police said 3,500 vehicles were stuck on the motorway on Thursday evening.