Commuters have experienced a relatively easier journey on the M56 this afternoon than they did this morning (Monday, October 12).

Drivers were stuck in long queues on the eastbound carriageway for at least an hour because of the closure of the junction 12 sliproad at Runcorn, which will allow construction workers from the Mersey Gateway Project to develop the new link between Halton and the M56 .

But the work means that the usual motorway rush hour traffic has multiplied, causing a headache for motorists trying to get to work or heading towards Manchester.

However, fewer problems have been reported this evening as motorists have been making their way home.

And the frustrated residents who suffered the standstill traffic queues this morning will be hoping things will have eased tomorrow on day two of the five week project.