A traffic incident on the M56 this morning led to significant delays near Manchester Airport. The westbound exit at Junction 5 for the airport was shut down, and drivers were advised that regular traffic flow would not resume for several hours.
National Highways reported that the closure was due to a collision, causing delays on the M56 westbound between Junction 3 and Junction 5. Traffic was temporarily held while the exit ramp was closed off.
The westbound exit at Junction 5 for Manchester Airport has now reopened after the necessary recovery work, barrier damage assessment, and road gritting were completed. However, the exit remained closed for some time after the initial collision.
National Highways mentioned that crews were dispatched to re-grit the road surface following the completion of recovery operations and barrier inspections. Drivers were facing around 20-minute delays between Junction 3 and Junction 5.
Motorists were alerted to the extended delays on the M56 between Junctions 5 and 3, in proximity to Manchester Airport. According to National Highways, the delays started around 6:30 am, with normal traffic flow expected to resume between 9:30 am and 9:45 am.
The closure of the westbound exit at Junction 5 on the M56 due to a collision was illustrated on a traffic map, indicating that regular traffic conditions were not anticipated until approximately 9:45 am.
In summary, a road incident on the M56 caused disruptions near Manchester Airport, leading to the closure of the westbound exit at Junction 5. The closure was a result of a collision, and delays were experienced along the westbound stretch between Junctions 3 and 5.