M62 shut as late winter bites

Part of the M62 was closed in Greater Manchester yesterday after snow and sleet caused disruption for drivers.

The motorway was closed between junction 21 at Milnrow and junction 22 at Rishworth Moor yesterday morning after several vehicles became stuck.

The Highways Agency said one lorry had jackknifed on the motorway and other vehicles were losing traction and blocking the carriageway.

Snow ploughs were used to get vehicles moving.

A spokesman said several roads which would otherwise have been used as diversions had also been closed due to similar problems.

Motorists faced long delays on the M60, as traffic was queuing westbound back to junction 14 for Worsley.

Wintry conditions hit much of the region as several centimetres of snow fell overnight and into the morning.

The snow fall also led to the closure of the A537 Cat and Fiddle road in Macclesfield and the A57 Snake Pass, which links Sheffield and Manchester.