M56 Traffic News | Live Updates and Travel Information

The M56 motorway is crucial for North West England commuters, travellers and businesses. It connects North Wales and Chester with Manchester and other towns. It also forms part of the North West Motorway Link, which aims to improve the road network in the region.

Latest M56 Motorway Congestion Reports

    No Reported Congestion

If you plan to use the M56 for your journey, you should know how to avoid congestion and stay safe on the road. In this article, we will provide you with the latest M56 traffic news and updates, as well as some tips and advice on how to deal with common problems and hotspots on the motorway. Whether heading to Manchester Airport, Chester Zoo or anywhere else along the M56 corridor, this article will help you plan your route better and enjoy a smoother and safer journey.

Live M56 Accident Updates

    No Reported Accidents

However, the M56 can also be a source of stress and frustration for drivers, mainly when traffic delays occur due to accidents, roadworks or peak times.

Eastbound M56 Roadworks and Delays

  • M56 eastbound between A494 and J15 | Eastbound | Road Works | Cheshire West and Chester

    Location : The M56 eastbound between the A494 Chester and junction J15 . Lane Closures : Lane two is closed. Reason : Emergency Roadside Equipment Maintenance. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 05:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There is one of two lanes closed.
    M56 Cheshire West and Chester Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 23:02:06 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J15 and J14 | Eastbound | Road Works | Cheshire West and Chester

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J15 and J14 . Lane Closures : Lane two is closed. Reason : Emergency Roadside Equipment Maintenance. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 05:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There is one of three lanes closed.
    M56 Cheshire West and Chester Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 23:02:06 GMT
  • M56 eastbound within J3A | Eastbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 eastbound at junction J3A . Lane Closures : Lanes 2 and 3 are closed. Reason : Roadworks. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 06:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There are two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:01:07 GMT
  • link road from M6 J20A southbound exit to M56 J9 eastbound | Eastbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 eastbound entry slip at junction J9 . Reason : Roadworks. Status : Currently Active. Period : from 21:11 on 1 December 2023 to 06:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes are closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:11:59 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J14 and J12 | Eastbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J14 and J12 . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder is closed. Reason : Emergency barrier repairs. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 23:59 on 31 December 2023.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J5 eastbound exit for Manchester Airport | Eastbound | Road Works | Trafford District

    Location : The M56 eastbound exit slip at junction J5 for Manchester Airport. Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Road marking works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 8 December 2023 to 05:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of two lanes closed.
    M56 Trafford District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J14 and J12 | Eastbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J14 and J12 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 7 December 2023 to 05:00 on 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J14 and J12 | Eastbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J14 and J12 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 05:00 from 8 December 2023 to 10 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J12 and J11 | Eastbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J12 and J11 . Lane Closures : Lanes 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 5 December 2023 to 06:00 on 6 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound within J7 | Eastbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J9 and J7 . Reason : Roadworks scheme. Status : Currently Active. Period : from 20:03 on 9 November 2023 to 17:00 on 8 December 2023.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J9 and J7 | Eastbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J10 and J7 . Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 08:00 and 17:00 from 7 December 2023 to 8 December 2023.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound within J15 | Eastbound | Road Works | Cheshire West and Chester

    Location : The M56 eastbound at junction J15 . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder is closed. Reason : Emergency barrier repairs. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 23:59 on 31 December 2023.
    M56 Cheshire West and Chester Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound within J9 | Eastbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J10 and J9 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023. Schedule : From 20:00 on 6 December 2023 to 06:00 on 7 December 2023. Schedule : From 20:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound within J5 | Eastbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 eastbound at junction J5 . Lane Closures : Lanes 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 6 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound within J5 | Eastbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 eastbound at junction J5 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 6 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J4 eastbound access | Eastbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 eastbound entry slip at junction J4 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 6 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J4 and J3 | Eastbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J5 and J3 . Lane Closures : Lanes 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 6 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of four lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J4 and J3 | Eastbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J5 and J3 . Reason : Roadworks scheme is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 8 December 2023.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J4 and J3 | Eastbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J5 and J3 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 6 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of four lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound between J14 and J12 | Eastbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 eastbound between junctions J14 and J12 . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder is closed. Reason : Barrier repairs. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 23:59 on 31 December 2023.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 eastbound within J3A | Eastbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 eastbound at junction J3A . Reason : Roadworks scheme. Status : Currently Active. Period : from 22:02 on 30 November 2023 to 06:00 on 2 December 2023.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:02:38 GMT

Traffic delays for the M56 motorway in North West England. Latest travel news from official UK Traffic Delays open data sources.

Westbound M56 Roadworks and Delays

  • M56 westbound between J14 and J15 | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire West and Chester

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J14 and J15 . Lane Closures : Lane three is closed. Reason : Emergency Roadside Equipment Maintenance. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 05:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There is one of three lanes closed.
    M56 Cheshire West and Chester Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 23:02:05 GMT
  • M56 J12 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound entry slip at junction J12 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 8 December 2023 to 05:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:20:10 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J12 and J14 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J11 and J14 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 8 December 2023 to 05:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:20:10 GMT
  • M56 J12 westbound exit | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound exit slip at junction J12 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 8 December 2023 to 05:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:20:10 GMT
  • link road from M6 J20 southbound to M56 J9 westbound | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound entry slip at junction J9 from M6 south. Reason : Roadworks. Status : Currently Active. Period : from 21:14 on 1 December 2023 to 06:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes are closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:14:41 GMT
  • M56 J12 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound entry slip at junction J12 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 4 December 2023 to 05:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J12 and J14 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J11 and J14 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 4 December 2023 to 05:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J7 westbound exit | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound exit slip at junction J7 . Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 23:00 on 4 December 2023 to 05:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J7 westbound exit | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound exit slip at junction J7 . Lane Closures : Lane two will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 4 December 2023 to 05:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of two lanes closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J8 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound entry slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 23:00 on 4 December 2023 to 05:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J7 westbound exit | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound exit slip at junction J7 . Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 5 December 2023 to 05:00 on 6 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J8 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound entry slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 5 December 2023 to 05:00 on 6 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J11 and J12 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J11 and J12 . Lane Closures : Lanes 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 5 December 2023 to 06:00 on 6 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • link road from M56 J9 westbound to M6 J20 northbound/A50 | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound exit slip at junction J9 to A50. Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 00:45 on 7 December 2023 to 05:00 on 7 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J10 westbound exit | Westbound | Road Works | Warrington

    Location : The M56 westbound exit slip at junction J10 . Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 7 December 2023 to 06:00 on 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Warrington Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J10 and J11 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J9 and J11 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 7 December 2023 to 06:00 on 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J10 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Warrington

    Location : The M56 westbound entry slip at junction J10 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 7 December 2023 to 06:00 on 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Warrington Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound within J5 | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound at junction J5 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 3 December 2023 to 06:00 on 4 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound within J9 before M6 J20 southbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J6 and J9 . Reason : Roadworks scheme. Status : Currently Active. Period : from 21:00 on 25 November 2023 to 06:00 on 20 January 2024.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J5 and J6 | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J5 and J6 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 3 December 2023 to 06:00 on 4 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of four lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J6 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound entry slip at junction J6 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 3 December 2023 to 06:00 on 4 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J10 and J11 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J10 and J11 . Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 08:00 on 7 December 2023 to 17:00 on 7 December 2023.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J10 and J11 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J10 and J11 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 26 January 2024 to 06:00 on 27 January 2024. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 29 January 2024 to 3 February 2024. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 5 February 2024 to 10 February 2024. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 12 February 2024 to 17 February 2024. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J10 and J11 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J10 and J11 . Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 08:00 on 6 December 2023 to 17:00 on 6 December 2023.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J10 and J11 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J10 and J11 . Reason : Roadworks scheme is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 08:00 on 6 December 2023 to 06:00 on 22 March 2024.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J6 westbound exit | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound exit slip at junction J6 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 3 December 2023 to 06:00 on 4 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J6 and J7 | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J6 and J8 . Lane Closures : Lane three will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 21:00 and 06:00 from 15 January 2024 to 20 January 2024. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J6 and J7 | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J6 and J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadside drains works are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 3 December 2023 to 06:00 on 4 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J3A westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound entry slip at junction J3A . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 6 December 2023. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 6 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J5 westbound exit for Manchester Airport | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound exit slip at junction J5 for Manchester Airport. Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 6 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 J5 westbound exit for Manchester Airport | Westbound | Road Works | Manchester District

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J3A and J5 for Manchester Airport. Reason : Roadworks scheme is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 8 December 2023.
    M56 Manchester District Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound within J9 before M6 J20 southbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J7 and J9 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023. Schedule : From 00:45 on 7 December 2023 to 06:00 on 7 December 2023. Schedule : From 20:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J8 and J9 | Westbound | Road Works | Cheshire East

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J7 and J9 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1, 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 2 December 2023 to 06:00 on 3 December 2023. Schedule : From 21:00 on 9 December 2023 to 06:00 on 10 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be three of four lanes closed.
    M56 Cheshire East Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M56 westbound between J12 and J14 | Westbound | Road Works | Halton

    Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J12 and J14 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 23:00 on 4 December 2023 to 05:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M56 Halton Live Traffic News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT

M56 Traffic: What You Need to Know

The M56 motorway links North Wales and Manchester, connecting Chester, Ellesmere Port, Warrington and other towns. It is also part of the North West Motorway Link, which aims to improve the road network in the region. However, the M56 can also be a source of frustration for drivers, especially during peak times and when accidents or roadworks occur. Here are some facts and tips about the M56 traffic that you may find helpful.

M56 Motorway Map

Live traffic flow information. Avoid travel congestion and plan a smarter route.

Traffic Volumes and Busiest Sections

The M56 is a busy motorway that carries thousands of vehicles every day. According to the Department for Transport, the average daily traffic flow on the M56 in 2019 was 86,000 vehicles, with 15% being heavy goods vehicles. The traffic volume varies depending on the section and direction of the motorway. Still, generally, it is higher on the eastern end near Manchester and lower on the western end near Chester.

The busiest sections of the M56 are:

  • Junction 1 to Junction 4: This is where the M56 meets the M60, Manchester’s Outer Ring Road. This area gets particularly congested due to the heavy traffic on and off both motorways. The average daily traffic flow here was 120,000 vehicles in 2019.
  • Junction 7 to Junction 9: This is where the M56 crosses the M6, one of the main north-south routes in the UK. This area also has a complex road layout, with some restricted turns and asymmetric junctions. The average daily traffic flow here was 97,000 vehicles in 2019.
  • Junction 14 to Junction 15: This is where the M56 meets the A5117 and the M53, which provide access to Chester, Ellesmere Port and North Wales. This area can also get busy due to the traffic from these destinations. The average daily traffic flow here was 76,000 vehicles in 2019.

The M56 motorway: A brief history

The M56 motorway is crucial for North West England commuters, travellers and businesses. It connects North Wales and the Wirral peninsula with much of North West England, serves business and commuter traffic heading towards Manchester, particularly that from the wider Cheshire area, and provides the primary road access to Manchester Airport from the national motorway network.

The M56 was developed and opened in stages between 1971 and 1981 as part of the North West Motorway Link (NWML), which aimed to improve the road network in the region. The opening section was between junctions 11 and 14, near Runcorn and Helsby, in September 1971. This was followed by the eastern section between junctions 1 and 7, near Wythenshawe and Bowdon, in January 1972. The central area between junctions 7 and 9, near Lymm and Warrington, was completed in December 1974. The final section between junctions 9 and 11, near Lymm and Preston Brook, was opened in July 1975.

The western end of the M56 was initially planned to terminate at junction 14, near Hapsford, where it would meet the A5117 road. However, due to traffic congestion on the A5117, especially at its junction with the A550 road near Dunkirk, it was decided to extend the M56 further west to meet the M53 motorway at junction 15, near Stoak. This section opened in March 1981, along with a short spur of the M531 motorway (later renumbered as part of the M53) that connected the M56 with the A5117 south of Stoak.

The features and characteristics of the M56 motorway

The western extension of the M56 still needed to be completed, however. In 1986, a further extension was opened between junctions 15 and 16, near Dunkirk and Mollington, where it would rejoin the A5117 road. This section also included a new bridge over the River Dee and a new junction with the A540 road near Two Mills.  Finally, in 2006, a short dual-carriageway link was opened between junction 16 and a new roundabout on the A5117 road near Blacon. This removed the need for traffic to use the old terminal roundabout at junction 16 and improved access to North Wales via the A494 road.

The M56 has some notable features along its route. It forms part of the unsigned European route E22 on its course in the UK between Holyhead in Anglesey and Immingham in Lincolnshire. It has no junction 13, which may have been reserved for future expansion of nearby industrial complexes or a possible southward extension of the M57 motorway across the Mersey estuary.

It has a complex interchange with the M6 motorway at junction 9, where traffic for the southbound M6 has to leave at junction eight and use the A556 road instead.  It also has a spur at its eastern end that connects it with the M60 motorway at junction 4, where it appears to end on the A5103 Princess Parkway. This spur has two intermediate junctions numbered 1 and 2, which makes it unclear whether it is part of the mainline of the M56 or not.

The M56 is one of the busiest motorways in North West England, carrying an average of over 100,000 vehicles per day on some sections.

It is also part of the Northern Powerhouse strategy to upgrade roads to smart motorways in order to increase capacity and reduce congestion. It has been subject to several improvement schemes over the years, such as widening, resurfacing and installing variable speed limits and CCTV cameras.

The M56 motorway is a vital link for North West England, evolving to meet changing demands and needs. It has a rich history reflects the development of transport infrastructure in the region.

Stay informed of the latest M56 traffic news and updates. View roadworks and incidents. Avoid delays and travel safely. Traffic delay information supplied by National Highways. The latest traffic reports, roadworks and travel news for the M56 motorway in North West England. It is updated every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day.

Our M56 motorway travel news is as current as possible, but please always check with local radio news sources and allow plenty of time for your journey.

UK Traffic Delays is a reliable source of updated travel information, obtained under licence from official data providers. London travel information is used under license from TfL: Powered by TfL Open Data.

Our website contains public sector travel information licensed under the: Open Government Licence v3.0.

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10 thoughts on “M56 Traffic News | Live Updates and Travel Information”

  1. Dear Sirs
    I am an old man and I drive from East Didsbury via the M56 to Hale every Tuesday evening. On Tuesday October 17th although I got there OK, I found my attempt to return on the motorway blocked as the Hale junction was closed for my return journey. I had no idea how to return home and ended up having to drive miles out of my way via Wilmslow in order to get home. Yesterday evening I again got to Hale OK and yet again found the motorway access closed for my return journey. This time I followed the diversion signs and ended up going in the wrong direction on the M56 for several miles before reaching the A56 roundabout where I was able to turn around and come back on the M56 in the right direction. I was then faced with a massive tailback as the motorway was down to one lane for several miles. Eventually I got home but again added several miles to my journey and much stress. Are you able to tell me therefore how long this chaos will continue for and will the junction again be closed for my return journey on October 31st? I have no satnav if that would have helped me.
    Kind Regards
    Howard Stubbings

  2. coming back (heading west) from Manchester last night (11 Oct 2023) , 9.45 pm and signs said M56 closed from jn 5 to 9…..however could access the junction. I came home via a very circuitous route as didn’t wish to get stuck. Is the whole motorway inaccessible when these signs go up in the evening?? I suspect that I could have used the motorway. No info here?? What is happening???

  3. Can you tell me if I can get to Manchester Airport via M56 coming from the M6 direction at 3am on the 6th June 2023 please?

  4. Was taking parents to Wales for weekend, single solitary lit sign on side of motorway says westbound closed 5th Nov, so it will be a nightmare going back to get them on Sunday 6th Nov. So we decided to come back and cancel. And guess what, on the way back it say westbound closes at 9pm.
    There is nothing here about any of these closures.
    Also we sat in traffic for over an hour westbound outside Amazon warehouse, what was the cause, broken down car in middle lane, no hard shoulder. On the way back there was at least 15 miles of westbound stationary traffic, so much efficiency in a 3 lane motorway with no hard shoulder, no way for emergency services or pickup getting past all that standing traffic, complete farce. If it ain’t broke leave well alone.

  5. It’s an utter disgrace. The whole weekend from Daresbury to Frodsham shut last week. We left the airport, saw a sign 20 minute delay. Absolute chaos. 3 hrs later we arrived back on the Wirral, huge gridlocks. Appalling. No mention of the tailbacks etc. Nobody cares.

    1. It was shocking and so very badly organised that the huge tailback of traffic was becoming increasingly agitated and dangerous. Trying to get back to Wirral but so appalling and no Police etc to sort out the chaos that we set the Satnav to go back to Sale, then M60 to get on the M62 at Worsley and down to Liverpool.
      Absolutely appalling shambles with total lack of guidance.

  6. I have been stuck in standing traffic for over 20 minutes on the M56 and this sh&@e site is reporting ‘No congestion’! Well done!!

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