A MAJOR UK motorway has been forced to close after machinery broke down during overnight works – sparking rush hour chaos.
Motorists travelling on the M62 have been warned of huge delays near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, this morning.
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Machinery broke down following overnight works (stock image)Credit: Getty
Westbound traffic has ground to a halt on the busy stretch as recovery gets underway to remove the plant machinery.
Overnight roadworks had been scheduled on the route between Junction 24, for Huddersfield, and Junction 23, for the Outlane Interchange.
National Highways confirmed drivers were being diverted off slip roads to avoid the chaos in the affected area.
It said: “Following overnight roadworks and broken down plant machinery, the M62 westbound is closed within J24 until recovery is completed.
“Traffic is being diverted via the exit and entry slip roads.
“Delays are building on approach.“
It is not yet known how long recovery of the machinery will take.
Last night, the M3 was forced to close due to urgent bridge repairs.
The major motorway in Hampshire was shut westbound between J12, for Allbrook, and J13, for Eastleigh, for the emergency works.
And it is set to shut in both directions across two weekends later this month – sparking chaos for 100,000s of drivers.
Closures will take place from 9pm on Friday, January 30 until 6am Monday February 2 and then again later in the month.
The second weekend of closures will hit from 9pm Friday, February 13 until 6am Monday, February 16.
As part of the M3 junction nine improvement project, routes affected will include the M3, A34, and A33.
The M3 will be closed in both directions between junctions eight and nine as steel beams are installed for new roundabout bridge decks.
Broken down machinery has sparked rush hour chaos on the M62
