Photo courtesy Mark Johnston
Drivers in Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales are being urged to check travel conditions this afternoon and this evening before using the western end of the M56, M53 and other routes around the Welsh border.
The advice from the Highways Agency follows a serious road traffic collision along the M56 near its interchange with the M53.
The incident happened when a lorry crossed from the westbound carriageway into the eastbound carriageway – colliding with the central reservation barrier and overturning. The accident happened between Junction 14 and 15 and the westbound carriageway is totally shut from Junction 14.
There is no eastbound access from Junction 16 and access from the M53 onto the M56 is also currently closed. The Highways Agency is advising drivers that the route is likely to closed for several hours for recovery and barrier repairs.
A diversion is in place between Junction 14 and 16 in both directions.
Westbound drivers leaving at Junction 14 are being asked to follow the solid triangle to Junction 16: eastbound drivers are being taken off at Junction 16 and should follow the hollow square to Junction 14.
Both diversion routes use the A5117 north of the M56.
Drivers are being advised to check traffic conditions in the area before setting out as there is likely to be congestion on routes around the incident
