Traffic chaos in Manchester city center as the busy junction is closed and protesters block the road

VaselineJuly 27, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Traffic chaos in Manchester city center as the busy junction is closed and protesters block the road

A crash and protest are causing traffic problems in Manchester city center today (July 27) – as Manchester Day celebrations take place.

The junction of Oxford Street and Portland Street is currently closed following an accident. Motorists have been urged to “avoid the area” while the two vehicles involved are recovered.

Police remain at the scene. Some bus services are also being diverted due to the incident.

READ THE FOLLOWING: ‘Trauma’, protests and a criminal investigation: How the Manchester Airport arrest video incident played out

In a post on X, GMP said: “#TRAFFICALERT | Oxford Street Jct with Portland Street is currently fully closed due to the recovery of two vehicles involved in an earlier road traffic collision. We ask that those traveling by car avoid the area for Updates to follow…”

Stagecoach said: “Wilmslow Road Services. Diversion to #Manchester via Charles Street and Sackville Street. To outward destinations via Chorlton Street and Whitworth Street. This is due to a police incident on Portland Street.

“I’m sorry if this affects your journey with us today.”

A Palestine march is also taking place on Wilmslow Road. Protesters are blocking traffic on the main road and bus services are being diverted.

Stagecoach said: “Wilmslow Road Services. Diversion to #Manchester via Platt Lane, Lloyd Street and Booth Street West. To external destinations via Hathersage Road, Upper Brook Street and Dickinson Road

“This is due to a current protest march taking place.”

Follow our live blog below for the latest updates.

End of live coverage

We will conclude our live coverage of these incidents here.

3:05 p.mKey event

Oxford Street has now reopened

The intersection between Oxford Street and Portland Street has also been fully reopened.

Traffic has returned to normal in the area.

One driver suffered minor injuries in the crash, police said.

15:00Key event

The protest has now ended and Wilmslow Road services have returned to normal

The protest is now over.

14:12Ashley Blakey

Stagecoach bus services divert away from Wilmslow Road

Services are running on a diversion route due to the protest.

13:57Ashley Blakey

“Rolling gridlock” due to the protest

According to traffic alert service Inrix, there is a “rolling block” on Wimslow Road due to the Palestine protest.

The protest starts at Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield and heads towards the town centre.

13:55Ashley Blakey

The intersection of Oxford and Portland streets was blocked

The busy intersection is currently fully closed.

GMP said:

“Oxford Street Jct with Portland Street is currently fully closed due to the recovery of two vehicles involved in an earlier road traffic collision.

“We ask that those traveling by car avoid the area for the time being.”

13:53Ashley Blakey