M62 Motorway Chaos: Vehicle Fire Causes Major Delays in Greater Manchester (2026)

A major traffic disruption on the M62 in Greater Manchester has left drivers frustrated and curious about the cause. The incident, which involved a vehicle fire, has sparked questions and concerns among the public.

This morning (February 18), traffic came to a standstill on the eastbound carriageway of the M62, just after junction 21 at Milnrow. The fire caused a temporary hold, with all traffic stopped around 10:40 am.

But here's where it gets controversial... While two lanes reopened later, allowing traffic to move past the scene, the incident caused significant delays. Queues backed up past junction 20 at Rochdale, according to Google traffic data.

An update from the Inrix traffic monitoring service stated, "Long delays and two lanes closed due to vehicle fire on M62 Eastbound after J21 A6193 Sir Isaac Newton Way (Milnrow)."

The incident has since been resolved, but the impact on traffic flow was significant. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for further details.

This live event has now concluded, but the impact on commuters and the potential causes of the fire remain a topic of discussion.

Key Events:

  • 11:19 am: Drivers faced thirty-minute queues on the M62.
  • 10:58 am: Two lanes were shut due to the vehicle fire.
  • 12:52 pm: Stephen Topping ended the live coverage.
  • 12:35 pm: Traffic eased, with queues clearing on the M62.
  • 12:07 pm: All lanes reopened after the earlier fire.
  • 11:51 am: Heavy traffic remained between junctions 19 and 21 eastbound.
  • 11:19 am: Drivers experienced long delays on the M62.

And this is the part most people miss... The impact of such incidents extends beyond the immediate area. Delays on one carriageway often affect the opposite side as well, as seen with the queues building up on both sides of the M62.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Do you think the response and traffic management were adequate? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!

M62 Motorway Chaos: Vehicle Fire Causes Major Delays in Greater Manchester (2026)
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