The M62 is closed westbound after a motorist was seriously injured in a crash.

But there are alternative routes to take if you need to avoid the motorway - although during an incident they too are often very busy.

Here we look at the best way to get to Manchester when the M62 is shut.

1) A62 Manchester Road

Before the M62 this was the main route from Huddersfield to Manchester.

In those days there wasn’t nearly as much traffic but it’s still a viable alternative to a gridlocked M62.

The route is pretty clear until you’re approaching Oldham but then it’s just five miles into Manchester or a couple of miles to the M60 which will take you to Manchester Airport.

Huddersfield to Manchester avoiding the M62
Huddersfield to Manchester avoiding the M62: the A62

2) A640 New Hey Road

This scenic route over Marsden Moor and into Saddleworth is clear most of the time.

Once you’re in Denshaw you can get to Manchester through Oldham on the A672 Oldham Road.

If the congestion is on the Yorkshire side of the Pennines you can rejoin the M62 at junction 22 (Rishworth Moor).

Go a few more miles on the A640 (then called Rochdale Road) and you can rejoin the M62 at junction 21 (Milnrow).

Huddersfield to Manchester avoiding the M62
Huddersfield to Manchester avoiding the M62: The A640

3) A635 Greenfield Road

If you live in the Holme Valley a drive across Saddleworth Moor is not only spectacular but it could also save you time.

When you reach Greenfield you can turn right onto the A669 Chew Valley Road will take you to Manchester via Oldham.

Or stay on the A635 and it will take you to Manchester and the M60 through Ashton-under-Lyne.

Huddersfield to Manchester avoiding the M62
Huddersfield to Manchester avoiding the M62: The A635

As with our previous guide on the best way to drive from Huddersfield to Leeds if the M62 is closed, driving to Manchester when the main route is shut is not going to be easy.

But a moderately slow journey along back roads is better than waiting for hours in a complete standstill.