A £1.5million scheme to repair the Weaver Viaduct is almost complete – but a busy stretch of the M56 will be subject to some overnight closures first so the finishing touches can be made.

Drivers who regularly use the M56 and holiday-goers jetting off from Liverpool or Manchester airports are being urged to check for scheduled closures in advance of their journeys, as the final essential works on the viaduct – which carries the M6 over the River Weaver and Weaver Navigation close to junctions 12 to 14 of the M56 near Frodsham – could increase their travel time.

The eastbound carriageway between junctions 14 to 12 will be shut from 9pm on Monday (October 24) to 5am on Tuesday (October 25).

While the westbound route will be closed along the same stretch from 9pm on Wednesday (October 26) to 5am on Thursday (October 27).

'Plan journeys carefully'

Highways England project manager Mark Mosley explained that the work is taking place overnight to minimise inconvenience to motorists, but stressed the importance of planning ahead.

He said: "It’s vital that people plan their journeys carefully – especially if they are heading to the region’s two main airports on the dates of our final overnight carriageway closures.

"And please bear in mind that the dates may change if we have serious issues with the weather.”

What are the diversions?

Drivers diverted from the eastbound M56 at junction 14 can rejoin the motorway at junction 12 via the A5117, A56 and A557.

The same diversion will operate in reverse when the westbound carriageway is closed.

Robin Tudor, head of PR for Liverpool John Lennon Airport, added: “Passengers looking to travel to Liverpool John Lennon Airport using the M56 from parts of West Cheshire and North Wales, should allow for the additional travel time during these necessary improvement works to the Weaver Viaduct, to ensure that they arrive at the airport in plenty of time for their flight departure.”

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