THE HIGHWAYS Agency have re-opened the M62 at 5pm following this morning's fatal crash.
Two people, a man and a woman, were killed when their car collided with a lorry at 6am close to junction 26 Chain Bar on the westbound carriageway.
Tens of thousands of motorists were trapped on the motorway as emergency crews tried to rescue the couple.
Police and highways officials managed to relieve the queue of trapped cars and also set up diversion routes - including via the A628 Woodhead Pass which was later closed due to a landslip.
Despite the huge operation, thousands more were caught in stationary tailbacks and 'care patrols' were set up to give people stuck on the motorway water and temporary toilet facilities were also installed.
Police removed the vehicles involved and contractors are cleared the carriageway of debris before the road was re-opened.
The Highways Agency quoted a delay of 90 minutes on the stretch of motorway after it reopened as thousands of queuing vehicles slowly moved off.
It expected traffic conditions to return to normal as the evening progressed.
