The Highways Agency is reminding drivers using the M56, A556 and M6 in Cheshire that the annual RHS Tatton Show is taking place this week.
The show is taking place this year between Wednesday, July 23 and Sunday, July 27 - and drivers travelling through the area or to the show itself are being urged to plan ahead and check traffic conditions before setting out.
Highways Agency events planning manager Phil Stockford said: “This is a long-standing event in the region's summer calendar and we are not anticipating any major traffic problems but we always encourage people to check before they travel when we know there are large events taking place.
“As usual Highways Agency traffic officers will be monitoring the motorway network to respond to any incidents and we will also be setting signs to advise drivers of any problems.
“Drivers can help themselves by checking travel conditions before setting out and by ensuring they are prepared in the event of a breakdown or being stuck in traffic or behind an incident.”
Although the Highways Agency is not anticipating major traffic issues it is likely that many drivers heading to the show will use the M56, A556 and M6 during part of their journeys to the event at Tatton Park, near Knutsford.
Some congestion around junctions 19 and 20 of the M6 and junction 7 of the M56 is possible at times throughout the event.
Highways Agency traffic officers at the North West regional regional control centre will be setting signs before and during the event to give advice to drivers and the motorway routes will be supervised by on road patrols from the outstation at Knutsford.
The agency is also advising drivers heading to the show to stick to any signed routes to minimise the chance of delays.
Drivers should also note that during the event, drivers using the northbound A556 will be prohibited from making right turns into the A5034 Mereside Road at Bucklow Hill and into Cherry Tree Lane at Rostherne.
Northbound drivers will be able to access these routes from the A556 by joining the southbound carriageway via Bowdon Roundabout.
The Royal Horticultural Society's website - www.rhs.org.uk - features full information about the show including public transport options and advice for drivers.
The show is open between 10am and 6.30pm each day except on the Sunday when it closes at 5pm.
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 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.
