24 July 2012
Drivers in Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales are being urged to check travel conditions this afternoon and this evening before using the western end of the M56, M53 and other routes around the Welsh border.
The advice from the Highways Agency follows a serious road traffic collision along the M56 near its interchange with the M53. The incident happened at 2.30pm when a lorry crossed from the westbound carriageway into the eastbound carriageway - colliding with the central reservation barrier and overturning.
The accident happened between Junction 14 and 15 and the westbound carriageway is totally shut from Junction 14. There is no eastbound access from Junction 16 and access from the M53 onto the M56 is also currently closed.
The Highways Agency is advising drivers that the route is likely to closed for several hours for recovery and barrier repairs.
A diversion is in place between Junction 14 and 16 in both directions. Westbound drivers leaving at Junction 14 are being asked to follow the solid triangle to Junction 16: eastbound drivers are being taken off at Junction 16 and should follow the hollow square to Junction 14. Both diversion routes use the A5117 north of the M56.
Drivers are being advised to check traffic conditions in the area before setting out as there is likely to be congestion on routes around the incident.
The Highways Agency provides live traffic information via its website www.highways.gov.uk, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile platforms, such as the iPhone. Live traffic information is also provided through Twitter - with @HAtraffic_nwest and @HAtraffic_pen9 serving North West 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
Autonomous cars are one of the big areas car manufacturers and high-tech companies such as Google are pouring vast sums of money, time and energy into. This is a future that many think holds the key to how and where the…
When I were a lad and it was all fields round here, I was lucky enough to have an ex-police driver trainer as my driving instructor. Not only did he teach the Highway Code, he also included some good old fashioned practical…
We all know the dangers of smoking to our health and that of others, which is why Jim Hume - the Liberal Democrat MSP for South of Scotland - wants to introduce a complete ban on smoking in cars in Scotland. Hume says his…
When it comes down to it, the only thing keeping you on the road are your car’s tyres. They are such a vital component, yet research shows that two-thirds of drivers don’t even know the minimum legal tread depth permitted.…
Citroen has just marked the 45th anniversary of its quirky Mehari fun car with a bespoke display at its chic design centre in the middle of Paris. While the Mehari may be more beach dunes than Champs-Elysées, it points up…