Key Events
Clearing nicely now
Better news, folks. The M62 is clearing up nicely, we’re told, and New Hey Road is getting back to normal so I reckon this is where I’ll leave you.
We’ve done our best to keep you informed on a difficult day. Stay safe and good night to you all.
Well said, Laura!
I know it’s awful being stuck in traffic for hours on end but here’s a Tweet from a driver who puts today’s events in perspective. Let’s all follow Laura’s thinking. Good on ya.
10-mile tailbacks reported
Reports of 10-mile tailbacks on the A628 Woodhead Pass above Holmfirth as drivers seek alternatives to the M62 and there’s long queues on the A640 New Hey Road around Ainley Top.
Let’s all take a deep breath and just get home safely.
Will take time to clear
A great deal of congestion around still. More patience needed, I’m afraid. Hope you all get home safely.
I’m keeping a watch on what’s happening and I’ll keep you updated.
SERVICE UPDATE Service 278 19.30 from Halifax will be running approx 15 mins late. due to m62 problem. sorry for inconvience
— Arriva Yorkshire (@arrivayorkshire) February 22, 2016
Just when it was looking better there’s a broken down vehicle Westbound at junction 25 at Brighouse with one lane closed adding to congestion.
Traffic clearing on M62
Good luck to everyone on their journey home - looks like the traffic is clearing at last
Might take some time for traffic to clear
Queueing traffic and long delays on M62 Westbound between J24 A629 (Ainley Top) and J22 A672 (Rishworth Moor), congestion on M62 to J25 A644 (Brighouse). All lanes have been re-opened.
All lanes were closed until 18:15.
But New Hey Road still bad
We’ve had the good news... but here’s the bad. The diversion route is still clogged up:
Tributes to lorry driver
Condolences left on our Facebook page:
Awful news. As annoying as traffic jams are I try to tell myself it is better to be stuck in traffic than be the cause of it. RIP. - Vcky Noble
Thoughts are with his family and friends. R.I.P - Sarah Jayne
So sad thoughts n prayers to his poor family - Maria Conway
Thoughts are with the family. Makes the traffic chaos seem irrelevant when put into perspective - Chris Batley
Such devastating news yet again. In a matter of days. Life is so valuable. - Deborah Holroyde Donaldson
Queues back to Cleckheaton
One lane closed and queueing traffic due to broken down vehicle on M62 Westbound at J25 A644 (Brighouse), congestion to J26 M606 / A58 (Chain Bar).
Lane one (of three) is closed. Also affecting the exit slip road. There are already severe queues following the closure of the M62 westbound at J24.
Opening soon? The BBC says so...
We might be close to the westbound carriageway reopening, if this BBBC reporter’s tweet is anything to go by...
But Highways England say 9.30pm. Fingers crossed Charles is right...
Police helicopter spotted
The West Yorkshire Police helicopter has just flown past Examiner HQ towards the motorway.
Driver died in M62 crash after collapsing at wheel
Some sad news has just been confirmed by West Yorkshire Police.
The tragic lorry crash on the M62 this lunchtime cost one man his life.
He died when he collapsed at the wheel of his car transporter this afternoon.
Broken down vehicle at J25 westbound - lane closed
Reports of one lane closed and queueing traffic due to broken down vehicle on M62 Westbound at J25 A644 (Brighouse).
Lane one (of three) is closed. Also affecting the exit slip road. There are already severe queues following the closure of the M62 westbound at J24.
Traffic at Wakefield Road, Brighouse
Very slow traffic on A644 Wakefield Road Westbound between A62 Cooper Bridge Road (Cooper Bridge Roundabout) and A643 Clifton Road / Wood Street.
More diversion woes
Very slow traffic on A629 Halifax Road Eastbound between A643 Lindley Moor Road (Ainley Top Roundabout) and Cemetery Road / Cedar Avenue.
