Long delays on M56 heading away from Deeside following earlier collision

Motorists heading away from Deeside on the M56 (Eastbound) have been experiencing severe delays due to an earlier accident and recovery work.

The incident, which occurred from Junction 14 (Chester Services / Helsby) to Junction 12 (Runcorn), led to one lane being closed. This caused long delays and queuing traffic.

Traffic was stopped in both directions, causing extensive disruption and tailbacks stretching past the M53 Interchange.

North West Motorway Police tweeted: “Traffic is stopped on the M56 between J14 & J12 in both directions at the moment. We will open the WB .. Chester as soon as we are able. The EB will then have a lane 1 closure on.”

Just after 2:35, they followed up with another tweet stating: “Traffic is now running on the WB side but is congested. On the eastbound, the slip from the roundabout at J14 & lane 1 on the main carriageway remain closed. There are 2 lanes running EB, but congestion is back to J16.”

With recovery work ongoing, drivers on the affected route are advised to anticipate delays of over 30 minutes.

A traffic report for the area states: “Severe delays, queuing traffic, and one lane closed due to recovery work and an earlier crash on M56 Eastbound from J14 A5117 (Chester Services / Helsby) to J12 A557 (Runcorn). Congestion is before the M53 Interchange. The road was blocked at around 13:15. Cameras show the westbound side reopened at around 13:35, despite initial reports suggesting the eastbound side was open.”