TRAVEL: M62 remains shut 'indefinitely'

The M62 remains shut 'indefinitely' from junction 20 to junction 24. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

The M62 remains shut 'indefinitely' from junction 20 to junction 24.

Highways England have issued advice for drivers to take extra care on the roads tonight and this weekend.

Met Office Yellow warnings for ice and snow are in place across large parts of the country, with further snowfall forecast and temperatures set to remain below zero into the weekend.

Highways England’s said their traffic officers, inspectors, gritting and snow plough crews are working around the clock in extreme weather conditions to keep motorways and major trunk roads open across the country.

Wind speeds of 93 miles per hour were recorded in the region on exposed sections of the trans-Pennine M62 route resulting in the closure of the motorway near to its highest point for safety reasons. The snow gates are also in operation on the A66 and A628 due to drifting snow.

Highways England has been working closely with local authorities and the emergency services to assist drivers and affected by these closures to get them on their way as safely and soon as possible.

Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, Richard Leonard, said:

Nicola Maxey from the Met Office said:

Highways England is advising drivers to pay attention to messages on the overhead electronic signs and listen for radio updates.