The M60 is the big ring road around Manchester. It links the city’s north, south, east and west sides, so it’s the main route for commuters, shoppers and freight. If you drive there often, you’ll notice it can get busy during rush hour and around big events. Below you’ll find the most useful info to keep your trips smooth.
Morning rush hour usually peaks between 7 am and 9 am, and the evening rush between 4 pm and 6 pm. Expect slower speeds on the east side near the A57 and the north side close to the M62 junction. Real‑time traffic apps show congestion hot‑spots, but a quick look at the Highways England live map can save you minutes. When there’s a football match at Old Trafford, the south‑west stretch often slows down, so plan an extra 15‑20 minutes.
In the past month, the biggest disruption was a lane closure on the M60/A34 interchange for resurfacing. The work ran from Monday to Friday and caused a steady backup, but traffic returned to normal on the weekend. Another incident involved a broken down lorry near the M60/M62 link, which held up traffic for about an hour. These sorts of issues are common, so keep an eye on local news if you’re heading out during peak times.
There are several ongoing projects aimed at improving the M60. The most visible is the smart‑motorway upgrade on the north‑west segment, which adds variable speed limits and emergency lanes. The upgrade is designed to reduce bottlenecks and improve safety. Completion is expected by early 2026, and you’ll notice new signs and sensor posts along the route.
If you’re a regular commuter, consider alternative routes when possible. The A6 and A57 can be useful bypasses, especially if you’re traveling east‑west. The M62 also offers a good alternative when the M60 is jammed, although it can be longer in distance.
Parking around the M60 is easier at service areas like the Worsley and Eccles Rest Stops. Both have fuel, food and clean toilets, plus free Wi‑Fi. If you need a quick break, pull over at one of these spots instead of trying to find a random lay‑by.
Looking ahead, Manchester’s transport plan includes a possible expansion of the M60 ring to accommodate more traffic from new housing developments. The plan is still under review, but it could mean extra lanes and new junctions in the next decade.
For freight drivers, the M60 is a critical link to the Manchester Airport and the port of Liverpool. Keep your vehicle’s load secure and stay updated on weight restrictions at the junctions, especially during road‑work periods.
Finally, safety tip: keep a safe distance in the left‑hand lane, especially during wet weather. The M60 can get slippery, and sudden stops are common near exit ramps. Using the variable speed limits on the smart‑motorway sections helps you stay in control.
Chaos hit the M60 as a crash involving eight vehicles—including lorries and a van—forced a total closure between junction 25 and junction 1 for almost 24 hours. Critical road damage, spills, and lengthy recovery left motorists stranded and emergency crews racing to reopen the motorway.
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