Gridlock grips Wigan borough's road network

Motorists faced tailbacks at many major commuter routes through the borough this morning.
Commuters were facing tailbacks at the junction 25 roundabout at LandgateCommuters were facing tailbacks at the junction 25 roundabout at Landgate
Commuters were facing tailbacks at the junction 25 roundabout at Landgate

Many of the main routes saw tailbacks with emergency service crews called to several reports of collisions after a flash hailstorm left road surfaces treacherous.

Motorists have been issued with a safety warning for the rest of the week with outbreaks of heavy rain forecast that could make conditions just as hazardous.

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Severe warnings issued about the arrival of Storm Ewan have been downgraded though as it is thought it will not be as severe as its predecessor, Doris.

The North West Ambulance Service said it was dealing with five simultaneous accidents across the region around 9am this morning (Tuesday), four of which were in the Wigan borough.

Meanwhile, motorway police officers were called to two separate incidents of cars spinning off the carriageway along the M58 as driving conditions worsened.

The North West Motorway Police twitter account posted a picture of one of the vehicles close to the Orrell junction end with the caption “bad weather claims the next victim #slowdown, #drivetotheconditions.

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Commuters turning off the M6 at junction 25 were stuck in tailbacks after a collision at the Landgate roundabout leading to Warrington Road.There were also reported collisions in Appley Bridge, Marus Bridge and Billinge.

Greater Manchester Police attended a collision on Eddleston Street in Bryn just after 8am with initial reports a child had been injured.

A three car collision occurred on Bridgeman Terrace at the junction with Wrightington Street near to Mesnes Park shortly after midday. Again, no-one involved sustained serious injury, GMP spokesman added.

A post on the North West Motorway Policing Group Twitter account said: “Patrols have dealt with 47 accidents on the network this morning since 0630am #toomany.“Please alter your driving to the weather conditions.”

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The Met Office had put warnings in place for heavy rain and high winds in Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of north-west Wales and England, after predicting Storm Ewan would move across the country on Monday and Tuesday.

However, after the storm’s impact was less than expected, the warnings were removed.Storm Doris caused carnage across the borough last week with damage to property and road closures due to fallen trees all caused by high winds.

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