Drivers travelling toward Manchester on the eastbound M56 and the A556 have been warned of delays of up to two hours after a collision this morning led to a closure of the motorway between J7 and Bowdon and J6 at Hale.
Two lorries and several other vehicles were involved in a collision between the two junctions at around 6.20am this morning with serious damage from an engine oil spill done to the section of the carriageway.
Five people have been taken to hospital but Cheshire Police have stated that no serious injuries have been reported.
One lane still remains closed after lane two re-opened at 9.30 this morning and decision on how to repair the road will be made later today, with delays expected until 3pm.
Drivers stuck on the M56 have voiced their frustration on Twitter, after the accident have led to many motorists stranded.
Carolyn Hughes said: “If anyone is thinking of travelling on M56 eastbound – don’t my folks been stuck in traffic for 1.5 hours.”
Ian Molloy said: “Already started eating my dinner out of boredom, been stuck on the #M56 for 2hrs!”
Highways Agency traffic officers from the outstation at Knutsford are at the scene helping to manage traffic.
Drivers eager to get to the RHS Tatton Show are being advised to avoid travelling to the A556 at J7 and instead leave the M56 at J9 of the motorway at Lymm and join the southbound M6, leaving at J19 for Knutsford and the signed, local route to Tatton Park.
Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys.
Providing they can do so safely, road users can also call the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 to keep up to date with road conditions.
More to follow…
Picture courtesy of Paul Appleyard, with thanks.
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