All traffic was brought to a complete standstill on the M62 on Thursday evening after a flock of lambs from a nearby field wandered onto the carriageway. The incident caused traffic cops to completely hold all drivers for around 30 minutes shortly after 8pm.
Lanes were shut in both directions from Junction 11 (Birchwood) to J12 (Eccles Interchange). Highways England first announced the news at 8.30, and confirmed that due to 'animals on the network', all travellers had to be temporarily held whilst they were escorted from the motorway.
However, in a response to a trapped driver, Highways North West said: "A number of lambs from an adjacent field are on the network. Traffic Officers are working to clear the scene as quickly as possible." Around three miles of congestion quickly built up during the closure.
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Announcing the news shortly after 8.30pm, Highways North West tweeted: "The M62 westbound between J12 (#M60 / #M602) and J11 (Birchwood), traffic is has been temporarily held due to animals on the network. Traffic Officers are in attendance."
Many frustrated road users took to Twitter to air their thoughts, with many complaining they had been stuck for over half an hour. "All you need on the way home!!!!" posted one user. As another wrote: "Has Noah’s arc pulled up on the m62 here?"
