The M56 motorway remains closed to traffic near Manchester Airport due to flooding on New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1). The westbound carriageway is shut due to flooding between Junction 6 and Junction 8.
The closure was first reported at around 2am following heavy rain across the region. The road remains shut as of 6.30pm, with the volume of water meaning there is currently ‘no estimated time for reopening’.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “The M56 in Cheshire is closed westbound between J6 (Manchester Airport) and J8 (Bowdon) due flooding which has covered all lanes of the carriageway. National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene. Our contractors have attended and are clearing the flooding, but this is expected to take some time due to the volume of water.”
A number of other roads in the area also remain closed following the flooding, which saw Greater Manchester Police declare a ‘major incident’ on New Year’s Day. These include the A555 Airport Relief Road, which is currently expected to remain closed throughout the night and into Thursday.
The affected stretch of the M56
(Image: Inrix)
M56 diversion route:
A diversion routes is currently in place as a result of the M56 closure. National Highways is urging drivers to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs and factor extra time into their journeys.
Exit the M56 westbound at J6 and join the A538 northbound. At the A5144 junction, turn right onto the A5144 northbound and continue onward until the A560 junction
Turn left onto the A560 westbound and continue onward until the A56 junction. Turn left onto the A56 southbound and continue onward to the A56/M56 J7 spur road. Join the A556 southbound and continue southbound to then re-join the M56 westbound at J8