M62 traffic: Huge lorry fire forces popular motorway to shut as drivers face hours-long delays

Traffic Officers from National Highways are in attendance and assisting emergency services at the scene.

While the vehicle has been extinguished, there is a large spillage on the road surface.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing motoring@gbnews.uk

National Highways has warned that this will need to be assessed and cleared before any lanes can be re-opened, further lengthening the delays.

At present, traffic maps suggest the event is expected to clear between 5.30pm and 5.45pm, while normal conditions will resume at a similar time.

Maps of the M62 between Manchester and Huddersfield show miles of traffic not moving, while the eastbound lane remains closed.

In a statement posted to social media site X, National Highways: Yorkshire confirmed that emergency services were in attendance and further updates would be provided.

It added: "We're unable to open any lanes at this time due to a large spillage on the road surface.

"There are severe delays on approach so please consider alternate routes. We're now making preparations to re-open lane 3. A further update will be issued once this lane has re-opened."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• UK dominates Europe with largest electric car uptake as drivers give up petrol and diesel vehicles
• Sadiq Khan urged to introduce driving law plans to make roads smaller and hike parking charges
• Motorists urged to snitch on road users for breaking parking rules as millions face £1,000 fines

Further traffic issues can be seen to the north east of Manchester city centre, including slow-moving speeds on the A664, A627(M) and the M62 until J25.

The latest update from National Highways states: "The M62 in West Yorkshire remains closed eastbound between J22 (Denshaw) & J24 (Huddersfield) due to a lorry fire.

"We've now got lane 3 open to allow traffic caught within the closure to pass the scene of the incident. Thanks for your patience if you've been held up."

Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol

• Exit the M62 at J22
• At the junction, turn left onto the A672 (Oldham Road) and proceed along this road for approximately five miles to the junction with the A58
• At the junction, join the A58 (Halifax Road) and proceed along this road for approximately five miles to the roundabout with A6142
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A6142 and proceed along this road for approximately 500m to the junction with the A58
• At the junction, go straight forward onto A58 (Rochdale Road) and proceed along this road for approximately 500m to the junction with A646
• At the junction, turn right onto the A646 and proceed along this road for approximately one mile to the junction with the A629
• At the junction, turn right onto the A629 and proceed along this road for approximately four miles to the roundabout (Ainley Top) with the A643
• At the roundabout, take the third exit onto the A629 and proceed along this road for approximately 500m to the junction with the M62 J24
• At the roundabout, take the second exit to re-join the M62 eastbound at J24