The M62 was closed in both directions for about an hour after concern for a man on a bridge.
Police shut the motorway at 4.09pm around Scammonden Bridge off Saddleworth Road while officers went to the scene.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said the motorway was closed between junctions 22 and 24 and the closure had a "significant impact" on traffic.
Delays of 15 minutes were reported. The motorway is now fully re-opened.
