Update: M56 “cow is safely back in its field and traffic has been released”

Update: The M56 is back open following an earlier closure due to a cow being on the carriageway.

National Highway said the “cow is safely back in its field and traffic has been released.”

Update – The cow is safely back in its field and traffic has been released in both directions on the #M56 between J15 and J16 near #EllesmerePort. There is approx. 1 mile of residual congestion both ways so please allow time for delays to clear. pic.twitter.com/iaCyjywkPJ

— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) November 5, 2022

Earlier report: Police have closed the M56 near the end of the A494 due to a cow in the road.

The closure is causing delays on both sides of the motorway as traffic builds up.

National Highways said:

“Traffic is stopped in both directions on the #M56 between J15 and J16 near EllesmerePort due to a cow in the carriageway.”

“Police and Traffic Officers are on scene and dealing.”

“Delays beginning to build on approach so please allow extra travel time.”

North West Motorway Police tweeted:

We have closed the east bound and west bound carriageways on M56 j15 to j16 due to a cow on the motorway

— North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) November 5, 2022

In response, Mike said: “I guess it needs moooooving.”

A local traffic report states: “All lanes stopped and stationary traffic due to a cow on road on M56 both ways between J15 M53 J11 and A494.”