M66 traffic live: Manchester motorway closed and huge queues as lorry careers off road

M66 traffic live: Manchester motorway closed and huge queues as lorry careers off road A lorry has reportedly jack-knifed and left the carriageway causing traffic chaos for drivers on the M66 between the A56/A676 (Edenfield) and J2 (Bury) A stretch of the M66 motorway in Greater Manchester has been closed after a lorry jack-knifed lorry and left the carriageway. The southbound motorway is closed between he A56/A676 (Edenfield) and J2 (Bury) due to the collision. There has been significant damage to the central reservation meaning lane 2 is also closed on the northbound carriageway. There are long queues approaching the crash site and officers from Greater Manchester Police are in attendance alongside National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors who are assisting with traffic management on scene. Earlioer this morning Greater Manchester Police said a lorry had hit the central reservation barrier with the vehicle now resting on the edge of the motorway, near to a fence. No injuries have been reported following the crash. Long delays are expected to continue. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said this morning: “At around 7.10am on Tuesday, June 2, two fire engines from Ramsbottom and Bury fire stations were called to attend a road traffic collision involving one heavy goods vehicle on the M66 southbound between junctions one and two. “Crews arrived quickly and remain in attendance, working alongside Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe.” Road users are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs: - Leave the A56 southbound at the A676 roundabout at Edenfield - At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A56 eastbound (Wood Lane) - At the Wood Lane / Whalley Road roundabout, turn right onto the A56 southbound Whalley Road and follow for 5 miles - At the A58 Derby Way/Rochdale Road junction, turn left onto the A58 Rochdale Road eastbound - At the A58/M66 J2 roundabout, take the 4th exit and re-join the M66 southbound Drivers have been asked to allow extra time for journeys in the affected area and warned that they may wish to re-route or even delay trips.