A closed stretch of the M60 motorway near Stockport is 'hoped' to reopen later this afternoon or early this evening, National Highways said on Tuesday.

Details surrounding a 'complex' operation of carriageway resurfacing and repair work has also been revealed by the agency for the first time. A large section of central reservation barrier needed to be replaced and damaged caused to a bridge parapet repaired.

National Highways also revealed carriageways in both directions needed resurfacing following a diesel spillage, and lampposts damaged in the collision also had to be isolated from the electricity supply and removed.

"It is hoped the M60 clockwise will be reopened later this afternoon or early evening, and diversions remain in place," said a spokesperson.

Part of the M60 in Stockport finally reopened on Tuesday afternoon - more than 26 hours after a nine-vehicle smash.

Emergency services descended on the motorway at junction 27 in Portwood, Stockport, at 11.26am yesterday (July 7). Three lorries, two vans and four cars were all involved in the crash - with one HGV smashing through the central reservation and another shedding beer barrels.

Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, with three people taken to Stepping Hill Hospital as a precaution for minor injuries.

At around 1.45pm today (Tuesday), highways officers were finally able to reopen the anticlockwise carriageway. One lane remains closed close to the central reservation, while repair works continue. The clockwise carriageway, however, remains closed.

In a statement to the Manchester Evening News, National Highways said: "Following extensive and significant repairs, two lanes of the M60 (two of three) have now reopened anticlockwise following yesterday's incident on the M60 at Stockport. A lengthy clear-up and repair operation has continued overnight and today, with National Highways working hard to reopen the motorway in both directions.

"Significant damage was caused in the collision and complex infrastructure repairs have been required, including replacing a large section of central reservation barrier and undertaking repairs to a damaged bridge parapet. Both carriageways needed resurfacing following a large diesel spillage across all lanes.

"Lampposts damaged in the collision also needed to be isolated from the electricity supply and removed. As these repairs are steadily completed it has been possible to reopen two lanes of the M60 anticlockwise between Junction 1 (Stockport) and Junction 25 (Bredbury). Lane three of three will remain closed for safety reasons as further repairs continue.

"It is hoped the M60 clockwise will be reopened later this afternoon or early evening, and diversions remain in place.

The closures are currently causing 15-minute delays and National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and to find alternative routes where possible.

National Highways apologises for the disruption and is working hard to reopen the motorway fully in both directions as soon as it is safe to do so.

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