Thousands of motorists were stuck on the eastbound M62 this morning as a 'hot carriageway' was blamed for major delays.
The bizarre explanation was put on the Highways England website this morning and stated the reason for the major delays was because the 'highway hadn't cooled enough to reopen following resurfacing work'.
At one point the delays stretched back from Ainley Top to as far as Rochdale.
The roadworks were meant to have cleared by 6am in time for the morning rush but they were only cleared at 9am, by which time motorists' commutes had become slow affairs.
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The situation was made worse when an accident in the tailback occurred saround 8.30am.
The full statement from Highways England said: "There are long delays on the M62 eastbound between J22 - J25 due to roadworks unexpectedly over running between J24 - J25.
"The road surface has taken longer than expected to cool down after resurfacing work.
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"Delays of over 60 minutes are currently being measured in the area.
"Road users intending on using this section of road are advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journey and to consider alternative routes (if possible)."
