Live M56 traffic updates as two lanes closed after crash near Manchester Airport

Two lanes are closed M56 motorway following a crash today (Friday, July 4).

The incident, which involves two cars, has taken place on the westbound carriageway between Junction 7 (Altrincham) and Junction 8 (Lymm).

The crash was first reported shortly after 5pm.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "Traffic has been released in lane 3 on the M56 westbound between J7 near Altrincham and J8 Lymm

"Lanes 1 and 2 remain closed following the collision.

"Delays in excess of 60 minutes, approx. 5 miles of congestion."

We will bring you further updates as they become available on our dedicated live feed below.

Inrix, the traffic data company, said:

Severe delays and two lanes closed due to emergency repairs and earlier accident on M56 Westbound from J6 A538 Hale Road (Hale Four Seasons Roundabout) to J7 A556 Chester Road (Bowdon)."

A National Highways spokesperson said:

Traffic has been released in lane 3 on the M56 westbound between J7 near Altrincham and J8 Lymm

Lanes 1 and 2 remain closed following the collision.

Delays in excess of 60 minutes, approx. 5 miles of congestion."

Traffic is now reported to be moving again.

Inrix, the traffic data company, said:

Queueing traffic due to earlier accident on M56 Westbound from J6 A538 Hale Road (Hale Four Seasons Roundabout) to J7 A556 Chester Road (Bowdon).

Traffic was briefly held."

Traffic is currently stationary on the motorway as a result of the incident.

A National Highways spokesperson said:

Traffic is stopped on the M56 westbound between J7 near Altrincham and J8 Lymm due to a collision involving 2 cars.

"Cheshire Police and North West Ambulance Service on scene.

"Delays in excess of 45 minutes, approx. 4 miles of congestion past J5 (Manchester Airport)."

Inrix,