Severe delays for drivers on M56 due to emergency repair work

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Dec 17th, 2019

Update: Further information from Highways England.

Lanes 1 and 2 are currently closed on the M56 from J14 to J12 with delays of at least 90 minutes covering approx. 9 miles of the eastbound carriageway. The lane closures are due to a infrastructure repair and Highways England has resources deployed working hard to restore normal conditions as soon as possible.

For traffic approaching the closure locally, you are advised to expect disruption with extra journey time and may potentially have to re-route your journey.

If travelling towards this area from much farther afield, you may wish to change your strategic route, allow extra travel time and follow guidance from our on-road variable message signs and media

Earlier report: Drivers are facing delays of up to 80 minutes on the M56 eastbound due to a “defect in the road surface.”

Two lanes are reportedly closed at near junction 12, the Runcorn turn off.

There is eight miles of queuing traffic back to the M53.

Highways England spokesperson has said:

”The M56 in Cheshire currently has Severe delays of 80 minutes above the usual travel times on the eastbound carriageway between J15 – J14

This is due to a emergency carriageway repairs which has lanes 2 and 3 (of 3) closed.

Highways England Traffic Officers and contractors are currently on scene working on repairing the defect.

Road users intending on using this section of motorway are urged to plan ahead and consider alternative routes or delaying your journey until the incident has been cleared and traffic delays have eased.”

Latest traffic report for the area states;

“Two lanes closed, severe delays and queueing traffic for seven miles due to emergency repairs on M56 Eastbound at J12 A557 (Runcorn). Congestion to beyond J14 (Chester Services / Helsby). Lanes two and three (of three) are closed. Travel time is 1 hour and 30 minute.”