M56 closed after ‘serious crash’ as drivers urged to avoid the area & warnings of major delays

A MAJOR motorway has been forced to close following a serious crash in the early hours – sparking Bank Holiday travel chaos. Cops remain at the scene on the M56 near Runcorn, Cheshire, following the collision this morning. Emergency crews were scrambled to the eastbound carriageway at around 1.30am The M56 remains closed following the horror smash Emergency crews were scrambled to the eastbound carriageway at around 1.30am. The busy route has remained closed between Junction 12, for Runcorn, and Junction 14, for Chester services, following the crash. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Cheshire Police warned motorists to expect delays throughout the morning. The force said: “The M56 is currently closed eastbound following a serious collision between junction 12 (Runcorn) and 14 (Hapsford). “Local diversions are in place, but delays are expected and motorists are urged to avoid the area.” National Highways confirmed a diversion route has been put in place, with the road expected to be closed until at least 9am. Issuing a statement on X, it said: “The M56 eastbound is closed between J14 (Hapsford) and J12 (Runcorn) for a police led incident. “Cheshire Police lead the response to the ongoing incident and have closed the carriageway to allow emergency services to work at scene. Most read in The Sun “National Highways have resources in attendance to assist with traffic management. “Delays are likely on approach to the closure and diversion routes.” Vehicles under 14ft 6in have been urged to follow the solid diamond diversion symbol on road signs. Any taller HGVs or vans are being told to keep to the X diversion symbol. Diversion route - vehicles under 14ft 6in For vehicles under 14 ‘6” (4.4m) follow the solid diamond diversion symbol on road signs:Leave the M56 eastbound at J14At the J14 roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A5117.Follow the A5117 to its signalised junction with the A56 and continue straight onto the A56 towards Helsby.Continue on the A56 through Helsby and Frodsham until the junction with the A557 and turn left onto the A557 Clifton Road.At the A557 Clifton Roundabout take the 1st exit to continue on the A557.Keep left when approaching the Rocksavage Roundabout (for Manchester, Northwich) and then at the roundabout take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M56 at J12. Diversion route - vehicles over 14ft 6in For vehicles over 14 ‘6” (4.4m) follow the X diversion symbol on road signs:Exit the M56 at J14At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Hill View Way/A5117.At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the M53 slip road to Chester/Manchester/Warrington/M56/Runcorn.Merge onto M53 southbound.Continue onto N Wales Exp/A55.At Junction 40, take the A51 exit to Chester/Nantwich/Whitchurch/A41.At Vicars Cross, take the 1st exit onto Tarvin Rd/A51.Continue to follow A51.At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Holme St/A54.Continue to follow A54.Keep left to continue on Chester Rd/A556.Turn left onto Forest Rd/A49.Continue to follow A49.At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A49.Turn left onto Northwich Rd/A533.At Whitehouse Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Chester Rd/A533.At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Southern Exp/A533.Take the slip road to Mersey Gateway Port/Ashville/Rocksavage Power Plant and Works/Castner Kellner/Runcorn Docks/Weston Point/Picow Farm Road.Merge onto A5126.Take a slight left onto A557(S), following the slip road to M56/Frodsham/A56/Clifton/Beechwood.Merge onto Rocksavage Expwy/Weston Point Expwy/A557.Take the M56 slip road.At Rocksavage Roundabout, take a slight left.Take a slight left onto the M56 slip road to Manchester/Northwich. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun.