Cheshire drivers are being warned to avoid using the M56 this weekend which will be closed in both directions around Manchester Airport.
A new bridge is being installed between junction 6 at Hale and junction 5 at Manchester Airport with the motorway totally closed in both directions between these junctions between 10pm on Friday, February 27 and 5am on Monday, March 2.
There will be no access whatsoever from the M56 towards or away from Manchester city centre and only drivers needing to catch flights to Manchester Airport should use the eastbound M56 after junction 9 at Lymm.
The traffic situation in the area is likely to be made worse by the fact Manchester United are playing at home on Saturday and Manchester City and Liverpool are playing each other on Sunday although fans of all clubs are being advised to avoid the motorway completely.
Only drivers catching or meeting flights at Manchester Airport should use the M56.
Highways Agency project manager Mark Mosley said: “Our advice to anyone other than drivers heading to the airport to catch or meet flights is simply: ‘please stay away’.”
More information about the weekend closure, including more detailed diversion advice, is available from the Highways Agency.
