Key Events
Congestion reports on M53
Earlier we reported that Merseyside Police had confirmed all lanes on the M53 were reopened after an incident last night.
We are now receiving reports from travel site INRIX that two lanes between junction 2 and 3 are blocked.
ECHO understands that there is congestion on the M53 this evening but this may be due to roadworks between junction 3 and 4.
Highways England reported at 19.12pm: “ Congestion on the M53 northbound between J4 and J3.
“Normal traffic conditions are expected between 19:30 and 19:45 on 10 February 2017.“
If you are in the area and notice any issues on the roads, get in touch by tweeting @LivEchoNews
All lanes OPEN on M53
According to travel site INRIX, all lanes of the M53 motorway have been reopened.
Traffic is still moving slowly in the area in both directions.
Delays should be expected at junctions 2. 3 and 4 as well as well as Bebington and the Wallasey Tunnel.
Motorway to open at 5pm
The M53 motorway will reopen at 5pm after a 22 hour closure.
Merseyside Police can confirm the M53 Northbound carriage only, between Jct 2 and 3 will be re-opened this afternoon.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “Officers would like the thank motorists for their patience, while the investigation continues.”
Police are continuing to urge anyone who was in the area who may have seen anything which could assist with the investigation to contact the investigation unit on 0151 777 5747 or email commcen@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
No sign of M53 reopening
ECHO photographer Jason Roberts is on the bypass (Upton Road) above M53 where police officer can be seen continuing their investigation.
Jason said:
Police officers are still on the motorway and police support vehicles are also in attendance.
The opening of Upton Road would lead me to believe they may be opening the motorway soon.
At 11am Traffic England said the closures could stretch on until 5pm - rush hour.
Traffic becomes chaotic as M53 closure approaches rush hour
ECHO photographer Jason Roberts is on Fender Lane as the traffic around the M53 starts to build.
Closure in place until after rush hour
North West motorway police have confirmed that the closure on the M53 will be in place until after rush hour.
Merseyside Police stated earlier that the motorway may be reopened around 5pm.
The investigation into the body found on the central reservation continues.
Wallasey Tunnel open as M53 remains closed
As travel chaos continues around the M53 closure Merseytravel are attempting to alleviate the pressure.
The company are positing regular travel updates and are advising those attempting to get to the Wirral to check their Twitter account.
Witness appeal
Merseyside Police are now appealing for witnesses after the man’s body was found last night.
The motorway remains closed after the police received several reports from motorists shortly after 7.15pm last night that a man’s body had been seen on the central reservation. An investigation is currently underway.
Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area who have may seen anything which could assist with the investigation to contact the investigation unit on 0151 777 5747 or email commcen@merseyside.pnn.police.uk
Members of the public are advised not to contact Merseyside Police directly in relation to the reopening of the M53.
Highways England
What Highways England advise motorists to do.
The M53 in Merseyside is closed in both directions between J2 (A551) and J3 (Birkenhead/Heswall), due to a serious incident. Merseyside Police are on scene and managing this incident.
The carriageway is currently expected to remain closed in both directions throughout the day and into this evening.
Road users wishing to continue their journeys southbound are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on local road signs exiting the M53 at J2.
Then take the first exit and follow the A5027 (Upton By-Pass). At the A5207/A551 roundabout, take the third exit and follow the A551 southbound until the roundabout with the A552. Take the second exit and continue along the A552 eastbound and re-join the M53 at J3.
The northbound diversion is the reverse of the above following the “Solid Circle” diversion symbol on local road signs
Police advice
Reminder this is the latest police statement: “Merseyside Police is advising motorists to continue to make alternative arrangements when travelling through the Wirral following the ongoing closure of the M53 between junctions 2 and 3.
The motorway was closed after the police received several reports from motorists shortly after 7.15pm last night (Thursday) that a man’s body had been seen on the central reservation. An investigation is currently underway.
It is anticipated that the carriageways will remain closed for most of the day and potentially into the early part of the evening but officers are working to reopen the motorway as soon as possible and updates will be posted throughout the day and ahead of the rush-hour.
Merseyside Police would like to thank motorists and residents on the Wirral for their continued patience while the investigation is ongoing.”
Extreme delays on the Wirral
Drivers are feeling the strain of the M53 closure as police continue to investigate a body found on the central reservation.
Diversions in place
Diversions have been put in place for Southbound and Northbound traffic in the area of the M53.
Southbound traffic should follow the Hollow Diamond symbols.
Northbound traffic to follow the Solid Circle symbols - via the A552 and Upton Bypass.
Upton Road CLOSED
The A5027 Upton Road in both directions is closed due to the ongoing police investigation on the M53 motorway. underneath between Noctorum Avenue (Upton Station) and Manor Drive.
Police are advising drivers to avoid the area.
"Carriageways will remain closed potentially into the early part of the evening"
Merseyside Police is advising motorists to continue to make alternative arrangements when travelling through the Wirral following the ongoing closure of the M53 between junctions 2 and 3.
A spokesperson for the force said: “It is anticipated that the carriageways will remain closed for most of the day and potentially into the early part of the evening but officers are working to reopen the motorway as soon as possible and updates will be posted throughout the day and ahead of the rush-hour.
“Merseyside Police would like to thank motorists and residents on the Wirral for their continued patience while the investigation is ongoing.”
The motorway was closed after the police received several reports from motorists shortly after 7.15pm last night (Thursday) that a man’s body had been seen on the central reservation.
An investigation is currently underway.
Closures could now last until 5pm
Latest from Traffic England who say the closures could stretch on until 5pm - rush hour.
The M53 in Merseyside is closed in both directions between J2 (A551) and J3 (Birkenhead/Heswall), due to a serious incident.
Merseyside Police are on scene and managing this incident. The carriageway is currently expected to remain closed in both directions throughout the peak period and into this afternoon.
Road users wishing to continue their journeys southbound are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on local road signs exiting the M53 at J2. Then take the first exit and follow the A5027 (Upton By-Pass). At the A5207/A551 roundabout, take the third exit and follow the A551 southbound until the roundabout with the A552. Take the second exit and continue along the A552 eastbound and re-join the M53 at J3.
The northbound diversion is the reverse of the above following the “Solid Circle” diversion symbol on local road signs.
Road users are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
Police close off a public footpath
The police investigation continues.
Diversions
Sound advice
Here’s Highways England advice>
The M53 in Merseyside is closed in both directions between J2 (A551) and J3 (Birkenhead/Heswall).
Merseyside Police are on scene and managing this incident. The carriageway is currently expected to remain closed in both directions throughout the peak period and into this afternoon.
Road users wishing to continue their journeys southbound are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on local road signs exiting the M53 at J2. Then take the first exit and follow the A5027 (Upton By-Pass). At the A5207/A551 roundabout, take the third exit and follow the A551 southbound until the roundabout with the A552. Take the second exit and continue along the A552 eastbound and re-join the M53 at J3.
The northbound diversion is the reverse of the above following the “Solid Circle” diversion symbol on local road signs.
Moreton Cross gridlock
This is the scene in Moreton Cross as of 9.40am - picture supplied by the ECHO’s John Thompson who set off from his West Kirby home at 8.20am. At least we know why he’ll be late.
Latest video - Upton Road closed
Reminder that the A5027 Upton Road is closed in both directions due to the M53 police investigation between Noctorum Avenue (Upton Station) and Manor Drive.
Over an hour from West Kirby to Moreton
The ECHO’s John Thompson has just arrived in Moreton - more than an hour since leaving his West Kirby home - gives you some idea of the congestion out there.
Upton Road closed
Avoid: A5027 Upton Road closed in both directions due to the M53 police investigation between Noctorum Avenue (Upton Station) and Manor Drive.
Travel congestion amid M53 closures
Closures knock on effect:
Delays, slow traffic and traffic heavier than normal on A551 Arrowe Park Road Southbound around A5027 Upton By-Pass (Sainsburys roundabout). Also affecting A5027 Upton By-Pass Southbound around A551 Arrowe Park Road (Sainsburys roundabout)
Congestion on A552 Woodchurch Road Eastbound around B5151 Storeton Road.
Slow traffic in the Birkenhead Tunnel.
Slow traffic and traffic heavier than normal on A41 Rock Ferry / New Ferry Bypass in both directions around B5136 New Chester Road / Bolton Road East / Bolton Road.
Closures could last until 3pm
Not good news - looks like the closures will last even longer than first thought.
Highways England now say “normal traffic conditions are expected between 2.45pm and 3pm”.
'Travelled a mile in 40 minutes'
The ECHO’s John Thompson says it is gridlock on Hoylake Road between Hoylake and Meols.
“I left at 8.20am and I must be a just mile from my house in West Kirby some 40 minutes later. It’s the worst jam I’ve known.”
