Horror as huge crash closes major UK motorway both ways as police swarm in

The M56 motorway has been closed following a serious crash on Bank Holiday Monday. Sparking travel chaos the M56 eastbound in Cheshire is closed between Junction 14 (Hapsford/Ellesmere Port) and Junction 12 (Runcorn).

The motorway has been shut since just after 1.30am on Monday morning due following a serious collision. A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: “ROAD CLOSED – The M56 is currently closed eastbound following a serious collision between junction 12 (Runcorn) and 14 (Hapsford).

“Local diversions are in place, but delays are expected and motorists are urged to avoid the area.”

The incident is affecting the eastbound carriageway between Junction 14 for Chester Services and Junction 12 for Runcorn, with the entire stretch currently closed.

National Highways says emergency services remain at the scene of the ongoing incident.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “The M56 eastbound is closed between J14 (Hapsford) and J12 (Runcorn) for a police led incident Cheshire Police lead the response to the ongoing incident and have closed the carriageway to allow emergency services to work at scene.

“National Highways have resources in attendance to assist with traffic management. Delays are likely on approach to the closure and diversion routes.”

When responding to a user on X, National Highways said the closure on the M56 eastbound is due to remain in place until at least 9am this morning.

For vehicles under 14 ‘6” (4.4m) follow the solid diamond diversion symbol on road signs:

• Leave the M56 eastbound at J14
• At the J14 roundabout take the 4^th exit onto the A5117.
• Follow the A5117 to its signalised junction with the A56 and continue straight onto the A56 towards Helsby.
• Continue on the A56 through Helsby and Frodsham until the junction with the A557 and turn left onto the A557 Clifton Road.
• At the A557 Clifton Roundabout take the 1^st exit to continue on the A557.
• Keep left when approaching the Rocksavage Roundabout (for Manchester, Northwich) and then at the roundabout take the 3^rd exit to rejoin the M56 at J12.

For vehicles over 14 ‘6” (4.4m) follow the X diversion symbol on road signs: