THE M60 clockwise has now reopened following a tanker spill that has caused traffic chaos throughout Bolton and Bury for most of the day.
Earlier, queuing traffic was being diverted off the motorway at junction 15, down A666 St Peter's Way and via Hall Lane and the A665 through Radcliffe and Whitefield, re-joining the M60 at junction 17.
It followed a collision between two lorries at around 9.30am.
One of the lorries which was carrying 28 tonnes of caustic soda shed some of its load onto the carriageway.
Long queues have built up along this route as well as the eastbound A579 Bury Road as drivers attempt to find their own route around the spillage.
Traffic is being prevented entering the M60 from the A666.
The tanker, carrying 28-tonnes of caustic soda, otherwise known as Sodium hydroxide, came to a standstill between Junction 16 with the A666 at Pendlebury and Junction 17 with the A56 at Prestwich and Whitefield.
Pic by @Danielreid89
Pictures show the tanker upright but having sustained collision damage.
Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is currently assisting with decanting chemicals from the damaged lorry.
Motorway congestion is focussed on the M60 from Junction 12 at the Eccles Interchange to the Kearsley Spur.
Pic by @robheyes1
Earlier, traffic heading away from the Swinton Interchange towards Prestwich was stopped while authorities attend the scene.
Traffic on the opposite carriageway was also stopped for a short time while debris were removed.
Pic by @toffeeDolfan
Bus services using the route are experiencing delays.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area.
Video courtesy @SupaaDupaa1
We are now assisting with the decanting of chemicals following the earlier tanker RTC on the M60 pic.twitter.com/wlV0vwsKku
— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) January 6, 2016
Traffic stopped #M60 C/W J16-J17 while we assist emergency servcies with an accident involving a tanker. Will keep you updated Expect delays
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) January 6, 2016
M60 anti-clockwise within J17 | Anti-Clockwise | Congestion
— North West Traffic (@nwtrafficnews) January 6, 2016
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