M60 Closure as Police Respond to Woman on Motorway Bridge 2026

Key Points

• The M60 anti-clockwise carriageway was shut between Junction 27 for Stockport and Junction 24 for Denton early on Friday, September 25, 2026.
• Greater Manchester Police said that police were called following concerns over a woman at a motorway bridge.
• It has been stated by the police that the woman was taken to safety.
• A traffic congestion of one mile was reported by National Highways due to the incident.
• The motorway was finally opened after the police’s effort.
• According to National Highways, no further delays had occurred from the approach upon reopening of the highway.
• Help is always available for people in distress or thinking of taking their own life.

Manchester Live Traffic & Travel (Manchester Mirror) September 25, 2026 -The M60 shuts as police rescue woman from motorway bridge near Greater Manchester on September 25, 2026, after officers responded to concerns for a woman’s welfare.

The anti-clockwise carriageway was closed between Junction 27 for Stockport and Junction 24 for Denton at about 3am, according to information reported by the Manchester Evening News. National Highways said the incident was taking place near Junction 25 at Bredbury and warned drivers that congestion was building in the area.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that it had received calls expressing concern about a woman who was on or near a motorway bridge. A police representative said the woman was brought down safely.

The incident led to a police-led closure of the motorway lasting several hours. During the response, traffic was unable to use the affected anti-clockwise section, and National Highways reported that queues extended for approximately one mile.

When did the M60 closure take place?

The closure began during the early hours of Friday, September 25. Initial reports placed the disruption at approximately 3am, when the anti-clockwise carriageway between the two junctions was blocked.

The affected section covered the stretch between Junction 27 for Stockport and Junction 24 for Denton. National Highways identified the location of the incident as being close to Junction 25 at Bredbury.

The closure was required while police dealt with the situation at the bridge. Motorway closures of this type are used to protect the person involved, responding officers and drivers, as well as to provide emergency services with a safe working area.

The police response also meant that motorists approaching the area faced delays. National Highways reported congestion of around one mile while the road remained closed.

What did Greater Manchester Police say?

Greater Manchester Police said officers attended after receiving calls raising concerns for a woman’s welfare.

The force confirmed that the woman was brought down safely from the bridge. No further details about her identity, circumstances or medical condition were provided in the report.

The police statement did not indicate that other members of the public were injured. The available report also did not provide details of any arrests, charges or criminal investigation linked to the incident.

The response was treated as a welfare-related incident. Police forces commonly attend such reports where there may be an immediate risk to a person, including incidents involving bridges, roads or other elevated locations.

When did the M60 reopen?

The M60 was reopened after the police-led incident had been resolved.

In an update issued at about 5am, National Highways said the carriageway had reopened and that the closure was being lifted. The organisation also said there were no lingering delays on the approach at that point.

The reopening allowed traffic to resume along the affected anti-clockwise stretch. However, drivers travelling through the area during the closure would have faced disruption while emergency services remained at the scene.

National Highways thanked drivers and wished them a safe onward journey in its update. The organisation’s statement indicated that the immediate motorway emergency had ended and that normal traffic conditions had returned.

What support is available for people in distress?

The report included details of organisations that provide support to people experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, bereavement or other mental-health difficulties.

Samaritans offers support around the clock, every day of the year. People can contact the organisation by telephone or use alternatives such as email, letter or a local branch. Anyone who feels unable to keep themselves safe should seek urgent help by contacting emergency services.

A dedicated helpline for men experiencing distress or feeling overwhelmed is also available during specified evening hours. The service provides an opportunity to speak with someone confidentially.

The Greater Manchester Bereavement Service supports people who have lost someone or who have been affected by a death. Its services are intended to help people manage grief and access further assistance.

Support is also available for children and young people. The report referred to free youth services that allow young people to seek help without calls appearing on household telephone bills.

Other organisations mentioned in the report include services supporting people affected by eating disorders, depression, low mood, bullying and substance misuse. Beat provides information and helpline support relating to eating disorders for adults and young people, while Anorexia and Bulimia Care offers support to people affected by eating disorders, including relatives and friends.

People facing immediate danger should contact emergency services. Those seeking non-urgent emotional support can contact a relevant helpline or health professional.

What is the impact on drivers?

For drivers, the main impact was a temporary closure of the M60 anti-clockwise carriageway between Stockport and Denton.

The closure created congestion of about one mile while police dealt with the incident. Motorists using the motorway during the early-morning period may have needed to delay their journeys, follow diversion information or allow extra time.

The motorway had reopened by the National Highways update at about 5am, and the organisation said there were no continuing delays on the approach. This meant that the disruption was limited after the police operation ended.

Drivers should continue to follow instructions displayed on electronic signs and comply with directions from emergency services and traffic officers. Stopping on a motorway to observe an incident can create additional danger and obstruct emergency access.

What is known about the incident?

The confirmed details are limited. Police said a woman was safely brought down from a bridge after concerns were raised about her welfare. The motorway was closed to facilitate the response and was later reopened.

The available report does not state the woman’s age, identity, reason for being on the bridge or whether she was taken to hospital. It also does not give details of the person who contacted police or describe the precise method used to bring her to safety.

No unsupported conclusions can be drawn about the woman’s circumstances. The confirmed information is that police attended, the woman was brought down safely and the motorway closure was subsequently lifted.

Background: Why are motorways closed during bridge incidents?

Motorways may be closed during incidents involving bridges to create a secure area for emergency responders and to reduce the risk of a collision. A closure can also prevent traffic from passing beneath a person who may be in danger and gives police and other agencies room to manage the situation.

The M60 is a major orbital motorway serving Greater Manchester and connecting several busy urban areas, including Stockport, Denton and Bredbury. A disruption on one section can affect traffic travelling between multiple junctions, particularly during commuter periods.

National Highways is responsible for managing England’s strategic road network and issuing traffic updates during incidents. Greater Manchester Police handles welfare and public-safety responses in the metropolitan area.

The Manchester Evening News reported that the incident happened near Bredbury, with the anti-clockwise carriageway closed between Junction 27 and Junction 24. Its report attributed the confirmation of the safe rescue to Greater Manchester Police and reported the reopening update from National Highways.manchestereveningnews.co

Prediction: How could this affect M60 drivers and local residents?

The immediate effect on M60 drivers is expected to be limited because the affected carriageway reopened and National Highways reported no remaining approach delays. Local residents and commuters may nevertheless experience short-term disruption if traffic is diverted through nearby roads or if emergency vehicles remain in the area.

For people who regularly use the M60, the incident is a reminder that police-led closures can remain in place until a welfare response has been completed, even when no collision has occurred. Drivers should check live traffic information before travelling and avoid entering closed sections.

For residents concerned about someone’s immediate safety, the development also highlights the importance of contacting emergency services promptly. For anyone experiencing emotional distress, confidential support services can provide a route to help, while people facing an immediate risk should contact emergency services without delay.