A lorry is stuck under a bridge in Frodsham after taking a diversion on the A56 following a serious motorway collision.
Frodsham is now said to be grid-locked following the collision near Castle Park adding to the chaos which has resulted from the multiple vehicle accident on the Manchester-bound carriageway of the M56 which happened near the Runcorn turn-off around midday.
The incident involved two lorries, a car and a coach with no passengers and is being managed by Cheshire Police. One casualty has been taken to Warrington General Hospital.
The east-bound carriageway is closed between junctions 14 and 12 for a police accident investigation but traffic is backed up as far as the beginning of the M56 at Stoak.
Highways Agency officials are advising drivers to “totally avoid” the Manchester-bound carriageway which is likely to be fully or partially closed for several more hours – probably affecting this evening’s peak travel period.
A diversion from junction 14 is in place, with drivers advised to use the ‘black solid diamond’ taking them back onto the motorway at junction 12 via the southbound A5117 and northbound A56.
However, the route is already busy and has a height restriction in place affecting lorries. The Highways Agency is advising drivers to delay journeys or seek an alternative route.
Highways Agency traffic officers at the North West regional control centre at Newton-le-Willows and colleagues at the National Traffic Operations Centre near Birmingham have set signs across the local, regional and wider motorway network to advise drivers of the closure.
Drivers are urged to check travel conditions before setting out on journeys.
The Highways Agency provides live traffic information via its website www.highways.gov.uk/traffic , local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile platforms, such as the iPhone. Local Twitter services are also available at @HAtraffic_nwest, @HAtraffic_yorks and @HAtraffic_pen9 for transpennine routes.
Providing they can do so safely, road users can also call the Highways Agency Information Line (0300 123 5000) to keep up to date with road conditions.
