Motorists on the M56, including those travelling to the Creamfields music festival, are facing severe delays this afternoon. The congestion is a result of a collision on the motorway, combined with heavy traffic heading towards Daresbury for the festival's opening day.
Highways England has reported delays exceeding 90 minutes and stretching over six miles on the M56 following the crash. Traffic was brought to a standstill at around 5pm for eastbound vehicles between junctions 14 (Hapsford) and 12 (Runcorn). The collision involved two cars, which have since been moved to the hard shoulder.
In an update, National Highways said: âTraffic has now been released on the M56 eastbound in Cheshire between junctions 14 and 12, and all lanes have re-opened. Severe delays of over an hour and a half remain in the area, but these should now start to ease. There are also long delays on the westbound.â
Traffic monitoring system Inrix confirms the heavy congestion, stating: âQueueing traffic is heavier than normal on the M56 both ways between junctions 14 and 11 for Chester Road at Preston Brook. There is also queueing traffic due to Creamfields music festival, with closures at times across the event starting at around 5am on Thursday on roads between Daresbury, Walton and Hatton. Some closures may remain in place until Tuesday, with the event running from Thursday to Sunday, and campsites open at Midday on Thursday.â
Maps show that Chester Road, the main route to the Creamfields site, is also heavily congested, as expected.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, anticipate significant delays, and consider alternative routes where possible.