LIVEUpdated 1 hour ago
The eastbound carriageway is closed to traffic – updates as we get them
A crash on the M56 leave cars stuck in huge queues (Image: Traffic Cameras )
Olivia Beeson UK & World News Reporter and Tom Burnett Content Editor
The M56 is closed to traffic near Manchester Airport following a two-vehicle crash tonight.
The eastbound carriageway is closed between Junction 7 and Junction 6.
The closure was first put in place shortly after midnight on Monday morning, with the crash taking place at around 11.30pm on Sunday,
Two cars are reported to be involved, with one overturning and the other being on fire.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “The M56 in Cheshire is closed eastbound between J7 Bowden Interchange (Altrincham, A56) and J6 Hale Four Seasons Interchange (Hale, Wilmslow, Macclesfield A538).
“At approximately 23:35 a collision involving 2 cars occurred. 1 of the cars overturned and the other car caught fire in the middle of the carriageway.
“Units from Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, paramedics from North West Ambulance Service and National Highways Traffic Officers were quickly on scene.
“The collision has resulted in infrastructure damage also and National Highways contractors are being despatched to scene to inspect the nearside barrier and road surface as well as support in implementing the closure of the motorway.”
This is a live incident. We will bring you further updates as they come in on our dedicated live feed below.
Today02:53 BST
No delays
According to National Highways there are currently no delays on the M56.
Today02:21 BST
All traffic released
National Highways have confirmed that all traffic within the closure has now been cleared. However, the road remains closed and is likely to remain shut into the morning.
Today01:58 BST
Road surface and barrier will need repair work
Both the road surface and the nearside barrier are thought to need repair work. This will be carried out after the road has cleared and investigation work has taken place.
Today01:40 BST
Queues continue to build on M56
Following the collision there are huge queues on the M56. National Highways have said they will start to release traffic as soon as possible.
Huge queues on the M56
Today01:24 BST
One car ‘on fire’
One of the cars involved in the crash caught fire in the middle of the carriageway as the other overturned.
Today01:07 BST
Traffic set to be released shortly
According to National Highways the traffic is set to be released soon. A spokesperson said: “Intention is to release traffic in lane 4 (of 4) past scene.”
They added that there has been a spillage due to the crash and the road is damaged as well as the barrier.
Today00:46 BST
Two miles on congestion
There is reportedly at least two miles of congestion on the motorway currently.
Today00:35 BST
Drivers warned of long delays
National Highways have warned that there are currently long delays on the M56 following the collision.
A spokesperson added: “Road users bound for Manchester Airport (at J5) are advised to allow additional time for their journey.”
Today00:25 BST
DIVERSION ROUTE:
Road users are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on local road signs.
- Leave the M56 at J7 eastbound.
- At M56 J7 spur road/A556 roundabout, join the A56 northbound.
- Continue along the A56.
- At A56/A560 junction, turn right onto A560.
- Follow the A560
- At A560/A5144 junction, turn right onto A5144 southbound.
- Continue along the A5144.
- At A5144/A538 junction, turn left on to A538 southbound.
- At A538/M56 J6 roundabouts, take the second exit off first (eastern) roundabout and re-join the M56 eastbound at J6.
Today00:24 BST
All emergency services at scene
A National Highways spokesperson said:
“At approximately 23:35 a collision involving 2 cars occurred. 1 of the cars overturned and the other car caught fire in the middle of the carriageway.”Units from Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, paramedics from North West Ambulance Service and National Highways Traffic Officers were quickly on scene.”
Today00:21 BST
Warning for motorists heading for Manchester Airport
A National Highways spokesperson said:
Road users bound for Manchester Airport (at J5) are advised to allow additional time for their journey.If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.”
Today00:17 BST
Infrastructure damage
A National Highways spokesperson said:
The collision has resulted in infrastructure damage also and National Highways contractors are being despatched to scene to inspect the nearside barrier and road surface as well as support in implementing the closure of the motorway.”
Today00:15 BST
Two-car crash
Two cars are reported to be involved, with one overturning and the other being on fire.
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