M56 drivers stuck in huge traffic delays after motorway is shut

The M56 was closed today following a 'multi-vehicle accident'. Traffic on the eastbound motorway between junctions six and seven for Hale and Bowdon was being hel following the crash just before 3pm.

Traffic monitoring service Inrix said the accident had taken place in the inside and outside lanes at 2.50pm.

An update on the Inrix website said: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to multi-vehicle accident on M56 Eastbound between J7 A556 Chester Road (Bowdon) and J6 A538 Wilmslow Road (Hale Four Seasons Roundabout).

"Traffic has been held since 2.50pm to attend to the accident in lanes one and four."

The motorway reopened at around 3.40pm but drivers were still battling long delays.

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Live updates below...

M56 e/b j7-6 OPEN after an earlier crash. Queues easing slowly with the A56 n/b very slow into Bowdon and Altrincham plus local roads through Hale heading for the A538 with diverting traffic mixing with the school run.

All lanes are now open on the #M56 eastbound between J7 and J6 (approaching @manairport ) following an earlier collision. Congestion of 5 miles remains on the approach - approx. 30 minute delays above normal. pic.twitter.com/j5QkBAKzdg

M56 e/b j7-6 queues building after a collision. The vehicle is being moved ready for recovery so hopefully some lanes will be open soon. pic.twitter.com/YuR4QoiImP

M.E.N. lifestyle editor Dianne Bourne is stuck in the queues. She's seen five fire engines heading towards the scene.

Engines off, trapped on #M56 towards Manchester Seen five fire engines whizzing past hope not too serious whatever lies ahead @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/9AgKIP0wgW

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