M60 remains closed after man falls from bridge near Trafford Centre in Manchester

A man who fell from a motorway bridge has died, police have confirmed. Earlier today, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to Barton Bridge over a ‘concern for welfare, which saw the M60 closed in both directions.

At around 11.45am, a GMP spokesperson said in a statement: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).”

Sadly, a member of the force confirmed the man later died. A spokesperson said: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.

“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”

Posting to social media at around 3pm, National highways confirmed the M60 clockwise had reopened, however, it remains closed in an anti-clockwise direction between J12 and J10. They also warned motorists to expect delays on top of normal traffic conditions.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “The M60 anti-clockwise in Greater Manchester is closed between J12 (M602) and J10 (Trafford Park) due to a Greater Manchester Police led incident. National Highways are currently on scene dealing with traffic management. Police investigation work is underway, with the closure likely to remain in place for several hours.”

A diversion has been put in place while the road remains closed. The anti-clockwise traffic is being diverted via the hollow circle symbol on road signs, as follows:

• Exit the M60 anti-clockwise at J12 and keep left to join the M602 eastbound
• Exit the M602 at the next junction and take the 3rd exit at the roundabout onto the A576 southbound
• Remain on the A576 for approximately 2 miles to the Parkway Circle with the A5081 at Trafford Park
• Take the 3rd exit onto the A5081 towards Mossfield/The Trafford Centre
• Remain on the A5081 to reach Lostock Circle and rejoin the M60 at J9

The spokesperson added: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”

Traffic conditions are expected to return to normal at around 7pm this evening. Further information is available from the National Highways website.