A heads-up if you are heading into town in the car this weekend, one of the main arterial routes into the city centre is to close for maintenance.

The Mancunian Way will be closed this weekend so that scheduled maintenance work can be carried out.

The closure, which takes place annually, will allow essential work to take place to keep the bridge safe for road users.

The work will include safety inspections, road repairs, lighting inspections, street sweeping drainage and general work to improve any defects. The overall integrity of the structure will also be assessed.

Given the accidents which have taken place on the road in recent months it is essential that these works can take place to ensure the continued safety of motorists.

The closure will be in place from 5am on Saturday, 12 March until 7pm on Sunday, 13 March.

During the closure, Manchester United will face Spurs at 5.30pm on Saturday, while events take place at the AO Arena on both Saturday and Sunday evening, and the Irish Parade proceeds down Cheetham Hill Road on Sunday lunchtime.

Eighty-six thousand vehicles typically use the Mancunian Way on a matchday, so its closure means that a large number of vehicles will be dispersed onto surrounding roads and diversion routes.

Signed diversions will be in place for the duration of the closure, however to avoid being caught in the congestion, it's important to plan ahead and familiarise yourself with the recommended diversion routes.

For journeys through the city centre, especially for west to east and east to west trips, we recommend using the M60.

Those attending the United fixture are strongly encouraged to use public transport but if you have no alternative but to drive, we strongly dissuade travelling through the city centre. Fans should use the M60 and then travel to the ground via junctions 7 and 9.

For travel guidance during this closure, visit the TfGM dedicated travel advice page at https://www.tfgm.com/major-works-and-events/highways/mancunian-way-closure

Update: The motorway has now reopened

A multi-vehicle crash along the anti-clockwise carriage way of the M60 at Junction 12 in Eccles has lead to lane closures and heavy congestion on surrounding roads this evening.

The accident happened involving 7 vehicles at around 7pm just past the turn off for Junction 2 of the M602.

Emergency services are in attendance and dealing with the incident, two casualties have been taken to hospital but are thankfully not thought to be life threatening.

A spokesperson for GMFRS said:

Quote

 

“At approximately 7pm on Monday, February 21, firefighters were called to a road traffic collision on the M60, between junctions 13 and 12.

“Fire engines from Eccles and Salford stations quickly arrived at the scene.

“The incident involves seven cars. Two casualties have been transferred to the care of colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and conveyed to hospital.

"Firefighters are working to make the scene safe and remain in attendance at this time.”

 

All lanes of the M60 anti-clockwise heading up towards the junction are closed whilst traffic is being diverted along a single lane onto the M602 and the M62.

As a result there is heavy congestion on roads around the Worsley turn off which is impacting especially along Worsley Road and Barton Road.

Drivers are being asked to find an alternative route and avoid the area where possible.

Image: SM

A section of the M60 between junction 10 and junction 11 has been closed with diversions put into place after a light goods vehicle overturned onto the central reservation of the Barton Motorway Bridge earlier this morning.

Police say that there are no serious injuries reported and that the driver escaped with minor cuts and bruising to the head as well as a broken wrist.

The truck has since been pulled upright and recovered.

A full closure of the motorway between the junctions is currently in place due to the strong winds and motorists are being advised to seek an alternative route.

Strong winds and heavy rain from Storm Franklin have been causing havoc on the road and rail networks.

Additionally the closure has had a knock on effect around the Eccles and Worsley junctions, causing heavy traffic on surrounding roads.

Diversions are currently in place

Insert Image: North West Motorway Police

Commuters looking to head into Manchester today are faced with having to find alternative modes of transport after an over head line problem left sections of the Metrolink system without power.

The problems started last night (Feb15th) when the outage happened during the Manchester United match at Old Trafford, leaving thousands stranded and having to walk home.

The service is still operating between Eccles and MediaCity UK but any route through Trafford is suspended until engineers can rectify what has been said to be a serious issue.

Tickets can still be used on selected bus routes.

Meanwhile traffic congestion has been a nightmare for drivers this morning as they face delays on the M60 due to multiple accidents along the route. A broken down car close to Junction 16 and a two car smash on the clockwise carriageway have had a knock on effect with congestion backed up to the Eccles Interchange and spilling onto adjoining roads.

Traffic is said to be flowing again, albeit slowly in some areas.

If you are out on your travels today, take care, make sure you plan your route and stay safe.

A major loss of power in overhead cables around the Trafford area has caused part of the Metrolink system to grind to a halt, just as fans were due to set off on their journeys home from Old Trafford this evening.

Power issues started to arise not long after 7pm (15th Feb) with trams unable to pull power from overhead cables.

Alex Cropper, Interim Head of Operations at TfGM, said:

Quote

 

“First of all I would like to apologise to anyone whose journeys have been affected this evening.

“Due to a major power loss caused by an overhead line fault between Trafford Bar and Old Trafford a significant number of Metrolink lines are currently suspended or partially suspended.

“Engineers are on site now to assess the situation and begin repairs, but the damage is quite extensive and as such Metrolink services are not likely to be restored this evening – and may still be affected tomorrow morning.

“For supporters leaving the Manchester United-Brighton fixture, there will be no Metrolink services operating after the match, bar a limited service between Wharfside and the Trafford Centre.

“Ticket acceptance is in place on commercial bus services, but they will be limited and extremely busy. If you’re going to the city centre, please walk if you are able or hail a taxi if possible.

“This is an ongoing situation and passengers are asked to check the TfGM website for the latest updates.”

 

Thousands of fans will shortly be leaving the ground at Old Trafford after final whistle at the Manchester United vs Brighton match this evening, the journey home may be quite an adventure for some, with three routes now being completely suspended.

In Salford, trams are currently still operational between MediaCityUK and Eccles but fans will have to walk to MediaCity to catch one.

If you are heading into the area, please try to find an alternative route around or avoid it completely if possible, as congestion is expected to occur due to fans being told to walk into Manchester.

Other routes have seen partial suspensions as the power cut impacts along the line.

Temporary bus services are being put in place on the lines below but they are expected to be very busy, official advice is to walk into Manchester if you are able.

Manchester Airport – 11, 19, 43, 101, 103

Altrincham – 11, 23, 245, 263

East Didsbury – 23, 43, 85, 86, 101, 103, 142, 143

Eccles & MediaCityUK – 33, 50, 70

Trafford Park – x50, 250

Work is set to begin on the controversial bus lanes along the arterial route along the A666 Bolton Road, Swinton, between the M60 Motorway and the southern junction with Queensway and Station Road.

The works are part of the Salford Bolton Network Improvement (SBNI) project to introduce bus lanes and will commence on Monday 14th Feb and last for a period of up to five months.

Meanwhile campaigners against the scheme have slammed the plan as unworkable, stating that it will cause major traffic delays and a decline in air quality in an already congested area. Others have questioned the logic in shortening the width of an already relatively small footpath to widen the road in order to make way for the bus lanes.

At the time City Mayor Paul Dennett provided a statement on the plans:

Quote

 

“The scope of the programme was informed by an optioning exercise undertaken by TfGM (Traffic for Greater Manchester), Bolton Council and Salford City Council…

“This exercise resulted in the identification of close to 70 potential local transport interventions…which were subsequently refined based on anticipation benefits, deliverability, construction costs and the priorities of Bolton Council and Salford City Council.”

“Occupancy counts undertaken in September 2018 have identified that these services are well-used with an average of approximately 300 bus passengers using these services in the morning peak hour.”

 

A seven mile long queue has formed on the M60 after a crash between junctions 15 and 16 (Swinton Interchange) during the evening rush hour.

Traffic was held by police but is now said to be slowly moving again with all lanes now fully reopened.

However drivers face delays of over 30 minutes as traffic flow returns to normal.

The details surrounding the vehicle collision have not yet been released but we hope that no one has been seriously injured.

If you are heading into the area, try and find an alternative route around.

There are reports that a man has sadly died following an incident which saw all traffic stopped on a section of the M67 earlier this morning.

At around 8:00am the westbound section between junctions four and three was closed by police as they responded to reports of a body having been found on the hard shoulder following concerns for a mans welfare.

Traffic has since been diverted off the carriageway which is to said to remain closed for the rest of the morning as police conduct their investigation.

Delays should be expected if heading into the area. so motorists may be wise to avoid it or choose and alternative route where possible.

A spokesperson for GMP, said:

Quote

 

"Officers were called to the M67 in Tameside this morning (1 February 2022) over concerns for the welfare of a man found on the hard shoulder near junction 4.

"NWAS also attended and, sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene at around 8:10am."

 

A plucky 94-year-old has moved into Broughton House Veteran Care Village after toppling from his electric scooter and breaking an ankle – and is vowing to ride again once he has fully recovered.

Derrick Corfield was riding along Agecroft Road in Swinton, Greater Manchester, when he hit a kerb and was thrown off. He suffered a head injury, and the next day was found to have broken his right ankle.

Until the accident, Derrick had been living in nearby Irlams o’ th’ Height but it was felt afterwards that it was the right time to be in a more supported environment. He has now settled in at Broughton House in Salford, the UK’s first veteran care village.

He said:

Quote

 

“The accident hasn’t put me off riding my scooter. I’ll take precautions next time and if I see a heavy kerb I’ll turn round and go back.

“I’m being well looked after at Broughton House, and that’s the main thing.”

 

Derrick was too young to serve in the armed forces before the Second World War so, in 1943 at the age of 15, he joined the Home Guard and was attached to the Manchester Regiment, then the Lancashire Fusiliers.

Having previously been a Sea Scout, he volunteered to serve in the Merchant Navy and his mother reluctantly agreed to let him go to sea at the age of 16.

Derrick set sail in February 1944 as a crew member on the ocean-going passenger liner the RMS Orion, which had been refitted to carry 7,000 troops on wartime service.

In the run-up to D-Day, Derrick and his comrades ferried US and Canadian troops across the Atlantic to Liverpool for the invasion of Europe. Derrick manned one of the anti-aircraft cannons after undergoing a ‘crash’ gunnery course with the Royal Navy.

He had a brush with death while embarking troops in New York, when he was overcome by fumes in the ship’s paint locker and was rushed to hospital.

After D-Day, the RMS Orion continued to sail all over the world, ferrying troops to Malta, then from Egypt to Naples, and back to the UK. After hostilities ended, the ship ferried survivors back to North America, Australia and New Zealand. 

When the ship was returned to its owners in 1946, Derrick stayed at sea aboard other merchant vessels before coming ashore in 1948 because his mother had become ill.

Derrick, who has four service medals, was later a fireman for 25 years and had spells working for the probation service and the Ocean Yacht Club charity.

A widower since May 2017 when Marjorie, his wife of 66 years, passed away, Derrick has a son and a daughter, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

He arrived at Broughton House last month. Derrick knew one of the volunteers at the home, and several residents whom he had met at the Salford Veterans Breakfast Club.

Speaking during Armed Forces Week, which runs until Sunday, June 27, Derrick said a job with the armed forces is a worthwhile career.

Quote

 

“It’s good to serve the country,” he said. 

“If young people are so inclined, it’s a good job to have. I enjoyed it while I was doing it.”

 

Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller said: “Derrick is well-known in Salford, having shown a sense of duty throughout his life in the city, not only in the forces but also in the local community. 

“He epitomises the bravery, tenaciousness and zest for life of his generation. We’re delighted that he has decided to join our veteran community here at Broughton House.”

Photos:

Derrick Corfield at Broughton House Veteran Care Village;

Derrick at 15 in the Home Guard, pictured with his mother Ada

Derrick at 17 in his Merchant Navy uniform, and Derrick during his fire service career.

Emergency services attended the scene of a collision between two vehicles this morning (Monday 26th April) on the A57 - Liverpool Road, between Barton and Irlam.

One person is said to have been taken to hospital having sustained minor injuries which are not thought to be life threatening.

There has been heavy traffic around the area close to Barton Airport (City Airport) as police deal with the situation and the vehicles are recovered.

If possible, you should find an alternative route if travelling in that direction in the next few hours.

There are currently long delays on the M60 close to Junction 13 (Worsley) this afternoon after a collision between a Lorry and a Car.

All traffic has been temporarily stopped on the anti-clockwise carriageway to allow for emergency services to carry out their work at the scene.

Delays caused by the accident are expected to have a knock on effect on local roads so travellers are advised to allow extra time on their journeys and to avoid the area if possible.

Congestion is being reported as far back as Pendlebury at Junction 16.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area around the junction between the M602 and Regent Road after a serious vehicle smash this evening.

Police were called at around 10:30pm to reports of an accident having taken place between junctions 2 & 3 of the M602. The Eastbound carriage way has been closed and traffic diversions are in place.

Emergency services, including Police, NWAS and GMFRS are currently on scene to deal with the situation.

Traffic is currently being diverted around the area with two lanes of regent road closed.

Highways England say:

Quote

 

"The M602 in Greater Manchester is closed eastbound between J2 and J3 due to a serious collision which has occurred on the J3 roundabout.

What's the latest traffic and travel information where you live? Find out by adding your postcode.

"This incident is not on Highways England network, but the closure is in place to support the scene and emergency services in attendance."

North West Motorway Police tweeted: "M602 Eastbound - Junction 2 to J3 will be closed due to a Serious RTC on Regent Road, Salford The closure will be at Junction 2 and all traffic will be taken off Please avoid the area."

 

Photo: TFGM - M602 Eccles New RD, Trafford RD traffic camera | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)

All lanes on the Westbound carriageway of the M602 heading from Regent Rd were closed this evening following an ongoing incident which is focused around the Albert Rd bridge in Eccles.

The lanes have now since partially reopened but traffic is still flowing slowly in the area and traffic is being diverted around the area. The road is still partially blocked by emergency vehicles.

Emergency services, including fire and ambulance crews are currently attending the scene whilst they deal with the incident.

Drivers are being warned to take alternative routes if possible. Traffic will be heavier than normal on the nearby road network so please expect delays.

Due to the nature of the incident we are calling for people not to speculate in the comments on our Facebook groups.

Photo: Peter Race via Facebook

All of the anticlockwise lanes on the M60  between Junction 13 and Junction 12 for the Eccles Interchange were blocked this morning after a horrific accident involving a car and a van which resulted in one vehicle coming to rest on its side.

All but one of the lanes has been reopened as crews recover the vehicles.

Traffic offers are dealing with the situation and paramedics are on seen.

Traffic is moving slowly around the area and the motorway is expected to be reopened by around 1pm this afternoon.

It is unclear as to the extent of injuries sustained by the occupants of the vehicles.

All of the four lanes of the clockwise carriageway of the M60 between Junctions 15 and 16 are currently closed due to a multi vehicle collision this morning.

It is understood at least one person has been injured and taken to hospital via ambulance.

Delays and heavier than usual traffic on roads around the area should be expected.

Tailbacks are already reaching as far as the Eccles Interchange (J12)

Traffic around Fredrick road is currently being disrupted after a large number of people have gathered at the scene of last nights horrific crash which left 2 men dead and 3 other people injured after a high speed police chase yesterday evening (Wednesday 23rd September).

Police observed a vehicle being driven at speed and pursued it, the vehicle then crashed into two other vehicles causing the death of the driver and passenger as well as leaving the occupants of the other vehicles with serious injuries which required hospitalisation.

Earlier this afternoon (Thursday 24th October) at around 1pm, police were called to the Mayo Building at Salford Royal Hospital after what is thought to be the same group gathering outside. 

They were quickly dispersed by police officers without incident.

This evening traffic is being diverted in the Fredrick Road and Seaford Road area after reports of several cars and a similar large group which has gathered at the scene of Wednesdays accident.

Police are currently on scene and attempting to resolve the situation so as to get traffic flowing again.

Drivers using the route have been advised to divert around the area where possible until the incident can be resolved.

There are delays around the A5603 Trafford Road this morning after two vehicles were involved in a collision during rush hour.

The occupant of one vehicle is said to have been seriously injured and he has been taken to hospital along with another man who was involved in the crash.

One of the vehicles appears to be a taxi belonging to a local private hire company.

The southbound carriageway is currently closed whilst the scene is dealt with and is expected to be reopened once the vehicles are removed.

Motorists are advised to find an alternative route if possible.

We wish both me a fast recovery.

If you witnessed the crash or know someone who has any information then please call GMP on 101 quoting incident number 680 of 10/09/20.

Lines in and out of Eccles will be experiencing delays this morning after an undisclosed incident close to the track, so take care and be aware if travelling.

The line between St Helens junction has been completely blocked but it should be cleared by 8:15am at the latest.

Passengers should expect disruption this morning due to the weather which has seen fallen trees and debris on many of the UK's rail lines.

Update: 11:40am - All lanes are now reopened after the vehicle was recovered. Traffic is now flowing properly again.

Drivers traveling inbound toward Trinity Way and Irwell Street are being advised to avoid the area after a Road Traffic Collision at around 7:20am has caused huge congestion in the area.

One lane is blocked and it is having a knock on effect on other roads around the area.

Quote

 

"Delays travelling anticlockwise around the Inner Ring Road due to one lane being blocked travelling inbound on Trinity Way/Irwell Street due to an RTC.

"Please allow extra time for your journey if travelling in the area."

 

From next Monday commuters using the M602 will be faced with roadworks as Highways England is set to start replacing the three mile long steel dividing barrier which has been in situ along the middle of the M602 since its construction back in the early 70's and its later extension into the heart of Salford during the early 80's.

Photos from our archive of the M602's construction back in the 1970's.

The motorway was itself intended to be a part of a much larger scheme which was to be known a the South Lancashire Motorway, designated the M52 which would have provided a link between Manchester and Liverpool but alas it was not to be.

The current barrier on the Eccles to Salford stretch has been exposed to the elements for almost 40-years and over that period it has seen its fair share of corrosion in places. With over 75,000 drivers using the route daily it makes sense to ensure their safety and replace it.

Construction is scheduled to start this coming Monday 10th Feb and will be carried out in phases so as to minimise any disruption.

Lane closures will be in place over-night and work will be carried out in phases with the first phase seeing temporary narrow lanes between Junction two in Eccles along to the Manchester end at Junction three. During phase one a construction area along the central reservation will be created to allow the workforce to safely go about their business.

There will be a reduced speed limit of 40 mph imposed on the stretch on the Westbound carriageway and a 50 mph limit on the Eastbound.

The second phase will come in May when work will start between Junction two at Gildabook Road and Junction one where the motorway connects to the M60 ring-road and M62 towards Liverpool.

The work is expected to last as long as 6-months with an end date being given as on the 31st of July, Highways England expect delays of just 90 seconds added onto journey times.

Full motorway closures will be in place over-night between 9pm and 5am, however, only one side of the carriageway will close at any time. Obviously slip roads will be closed to.

Ross Hepburn, project manager at Highways England, said:

Quote

 

"The existing barrier has been there since the motorway was opened so we need to replace it with a new steel barrier to help keep drivers safe and prevent vehicles crossing onto the opposite carriageway.

"We will be keeping two lanes open in each direction during the day throughout the project which means there will be no reduction in capacity for drivers travelling to and from Manchester.

"We’re also carrying out the work in phases so that the reduced speed limits are only needed on short stretches of the motorway, adding less than 90 seconds to drivers’ journeys."

 

Photos: SM