Updated: M56 Cheshire westbound closure and diversion due to roadworks

Saturday 8th October.

Update: Queuing traffic approaching the westbound roadworks and diversion on the M56 in Cheshire have cleared.

The motorway is closed this weekend westbound between junction 11 (Preston Brook) and 12 (Clifton Roundabout/Rocksavage Interchange).

Traffic heading towards north Wales is being diverted around the roadworks at Preston Brook which is causing long delays.

Queues were back to junction 10 at Stretton during Saturday daytime.

Earlier report: Work is taking place on the westbound side between junction 11 (Preston Brook) and 12 (Clifton Roundabout/Rocksavage Interchange).

National Highways has said the “essential work is being carried out to replace safety barriers” and is part of a £23million project to replace the A533 Expressway bridge over the motorway.

🚧⛔#M56 weekend closure, westbound only, J11 to J12. 9pm Fri 7 Oct to 6am Mon 10 Oct.

🔨🦺Part of our work to replace the #A533 #ExpresswayBridge.

▶️Allow extra time for journeys. https://t.co/WVSacjSGCB@LPL_Airport @HaltonBC @Go_CheshireWest @WarringtonBC @manairport pic.twitter.com/VzOv6HBET4

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

Last weekend the M56 eastbound was closed at the same location, as a result, there were delays on Saturday and Sunday of up to an hour.

National Highways has warned drivers to expect delays, saying: “please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.”

“Clearly signed diversions will be in place. These are shown below. Motorists are asked to follow these during the closures. Please do not use satnav when following a diversion. Thank you for bearing with us.” National Highways said.

Towards the end of this month, National Highways said it will be closing the M56 in both directions for one full weekend to lift the new bridge into position.

“The closure will be in place between junctions 11 and 12, from 9pm Friday 28 October until 6am Monday 31 October. At the same time, we’ll also need to close the A533 Expressway bridge.”