M62 traffic LIVE updates as drivers face five-mile queues
Drivers on the M62 are experiencing significant delays due to a broken-down tanker that caught fire, causing five-mile queues on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 22 (Saddleworth) and 23 (Huddersfield). One lane remains closed, with delays of around 45 minutes. Westbound traffic is also affected due to onlookers. Recovery efforts are underway, and while all lanes have reopened, delays persist with queues now reduced to three miles and delays of around 30 minutes.
M62 drivers trapped in five-mile queues after tanker fire
A broken-down tanker that burst into flames has brought five-mile tailbacks to the M62 this morning, leaving commuters facing delays of up to 45 minutes on the eastbound carriageway from Greater Manchester into Yorkshire.
National Highways Yorkshire closed one lane between junction 22 at Saddleworth and junction 23 at Huddersfield after the vehicle broke down shortly after 7 a.m. on 7 July. “LANE CLOSED Due to a broken down tanker lorry. [West Yorkshire Police] and our traffic officers are on scene. Recovery arranged and en-route. 45 min delay and five miles of congestion,” the agency posted on X.
Traffic data firm Inrix confirmed the breakdown had escalated when the tanker caught fire, adding that westbound traffic was also crawling past the scene “likely due to onlookers”. Although all lanes reopened around 7:29 a.m., residual queues of roughly three miles and 30-minute delays are still sweeping across the Pennine section of the motorway.
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