M60 Police Incident Today: Motorway Closed Between Junctions 17 and 18 Near Prestwich

A police-led incident caused significant traffic disruption on the M60 motorway near Prestwich, Greater Manchester, on Monday evening, November 9, 2026.

National Highways confirmed that traffic was temporarily held in both directions between Junction 17 at Prestwich and Junction 18 at Simister Island while emergency services attended the scene.

The disruption affected both the clockwise and anticlockwise carriageways, with motorists experiencing substantial delays. National Highways warned that queues could extend back towards Junction 12 at Eccles for clockwise traffic and Junction 20 at Higher Blackley for vehicles travelling anticlockwise.

Emergency services attend police incident

The incident was described as a Greater Manchester Police-led operation. Witnesses reported seeing police vehicles and ambulances in the area, although the precise circumstances were not immediately disclosed.

National Highways reported delays of up to 50 minutes and confirmed that diversions were put in place while the motorway was blocked.

Motorway lanes reopened

All lanes were subsequently reopened, according to a later update reported by AOL. Motorists were nevertheless advised to allow extra time for their journeys while traffic conditions returned to normal.

The nature of the police incident and whether anyone was injured were not established in the reports reviewed. No confirmed information indicated that the disruption resulted from a traffic collision.

This article may be updated if Greater Manchester Police or National Highways release further verified details.

Information notice: This report is intended for general informational purposes. Details are based on available traffic updates and news coverage and may change as further information becomes available.