Heavy rain and flooding has resulted in travel disruption across Greater Manchester on New Year’s Day with roads closed and rail services delayed. People across the region have been warned to ‘not travel’ today due to the floods.
Several roads have been closed this morning, including the M56 westbound between junctions six and seven, impacting travellers making their way to Manchester Airport. Sections of the A555 bypass from Hazel Grove to the airport have also been flooded.
Those travelling by train are urged to delay their journeys until after midday as several routes have been flooded. Both Transpennine Express and Northern issued warnings to customers with many services cancelled completely.
A yellow warning for rain had been issued by the Met Office covering the North West, which ended at 11am this morning. This has now been replaced with a warning for ice covering the whole of the north, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which begins at 4pm today and lasts until 10am tomorrow.
Here is a round up of travel warnings currently in place across Greater Manchester.
Road
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The M56 is closed westbound between junctions 6 and 7, due to flooding. National Highways said there is currently “no estimated time for re-opening”.
Road users are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs and follow this diversion:
- Exit the M56 westbound at J6 and join the A538 northbound
- At the A5144 junction, turn right onto the A5144 northbound and continue onward untul 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
The A555 Manchester relief road is closed due to severe flooding with several cars submerged under water, at least five vehicles are reportedly stranded.
The following roads are also closed:
- A34 Handforth Bypass
- A34 Kingsway
- White Carr Lane, Wythenshawe
- Wilmslow Road, Cheadle
- Manchester Old Road, Middleton
- Tiviot Way, Stockport
- Store Street, Manchester city centre
Divers are warned by the Bee Network that smaller roads can also be affected by flooding so “exercise caution and only drive if absolutely necessary.”
Rail
TransPennine Express has urged customers not to travel until after midday on Wednesday, January 1 as several routes have been flooded, especially in the north west. The rail operator said that major routes had been impacted, and warned that further flooding is likely. Travellers are advised to delay their journeys.
Andy McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director for TransPennine Express said: “We are urging anyone travelling this morning across the affected routes to defer their travel or claim a refund.”
Northern has issued a “do not travel warning” to passengers today “due to severe weather in the North West, flooding has caused many routes to be blocked.” The rail firm said that they have engineers on site trying to resolve issues.
Northern added that: “Ticket acceptance is in place, where possible, with LNER and TPE within the next two hours before or after the cancelled service on a direct or reasonable indirect routing. It is also available with EMR, Between Sheffield and Nottingham.”
Network rail has advised passengers to check with National Rail Enquiries or their train operator before travelling.
Metrolink
The East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines have been impacted by flooding.
The Bee Network said:
“Due to flooding there is no service between Firswood and Trafford Bar.
“There is also no service between Wythenshawe Town Centre and Manchester Airport, due to flooding on the A555 (pictured below).
“Tickets and passes can be used on the 42, 43, 85, 86 and 101 bus services.”
Services have now resumed on the Rochdale line, and all other lines are currently operating normally, but passengers are advised to allow additional time for travel and check the latest information before beginning their journey.
Manchester Airport
There’s not been significant disruptions to flights at Manchester Airport, although Ryanair issued a warning to passengers that flights could be impacted across the UK today.
In a statement the airline said: “Potential disruptions to/from the UK, Wednesday January 1, due to high winds. Affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling to/from the UK on Wed 01 Jan should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.”
Passengers who are flying to and from Manchester Airport are urged to plan their journeys carefully, and monitor their flight status.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday night, Manchester Airport said: “UK weather forecasts indicate the possibility of some unsettled conditions over the next few days.
“Winter weather can be unpredictable, and our teams are closely monitoring conditions to ensure our operations run smoothly. Our services remain unaffected, but we do recommend passengers check directly with their airline for any updates and stay informed about public transport, which may also be impacted by adverse weather. Wishing all our passengers a safe and happy new year.”
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