All lanes back open on the M56 following earlier Police incident

Update: According to the latest traffic report all lanes are back open on the M56 eastbound from junction 16 – it states, “Queuing traffic due to police incident on M56 Eastbound from A494 Dunkirk turn off to J15 M53 J11. The road was closed until around 18:25. All lanes have been re-opened.”

Earlier report: Police have asked drivers to avoid a stretch of the M56 heading away from Deeside while they deal with an incident. 

North West Motorway Police tweeted: 

“Patrols dealing with a Police incident on the M56 Eastbound between Junction 16 and Junction 15. The motorway is SHUT at Junction 16 – please avoid the area.”

In response to the Tweet Tom said: “Just crossed over the motorway bridge on a bus and saw 4 blokes (didn’t look like police) stood in the middle of the carriageway, with miles of traffic at a standstill in front of them. Is there a protest or something? ”

Highways England has said: “The M56 eastbound in Cheshire is closed between J16 (A5117) and J15 (M53 junction) due to an incident being led by Cheshire Police.

A diversion is in operation.”

Diverted traffic should follow the “Hollow Diamond” symbol. 

At M56 J16 do not enter the M56 motorway eastbound. At the M56 J16/A5117 (Dunkirk jct rbt) take the first exit onto the A5117 eastbound and follow for 3.5 miles.

At the A5117/M3 jct 10 Rbt , take the third exit onto the M53 southbound and follow for 1 mile. At the M53 J11 turn left onto the M56 eastbound and rejoin at J15. 

Road users intending on using the M56 eastbound in Cheshire should plan ahead and consider alternative routes and allow additional time for their journey.

Latest traffic report states: “Road closed and queueing traffic due to police incident on M56 Eastbound from A494 to J15 M53 J11.

The road has been closed since around 17:35. Sources suggest westbound may have to be closed, although cameras show traffic is still moving for now. Detour in operation – via the A5117.”