Heavy traffic on M56 as carriageway 'partially blocked' after crash (original) (raw)
LIVE EVENT ENDEDLast updated 19th March 2026
Emergency services attended the scene
Congestion on the M56 this afternoon (March 19) (Image: Highways England)
Congestion is building on the M56 this afternoon (March 19) following an accident which has partially blocked the carriageway, according to Inrix.
The traffic monitoring service first reported the accident between junction 6 (the Four Seasons roundabout in Hale) and junction 7 (Chester Road/Bowdon) shortly after 3.30pm.
Traffic cameras show the emergency services at the scene, with the left-hand lane closed to traffic as officers respond to the incident.
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Google Maps' traffic data is showing congestion building on the carriageway through Wythenshawe as rush hour approaches.
This is a live incident - updates to follow.
19th Mar16:43 BST
End of live coverage
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19th Mar16:41 BST
All lanes now reopened
All lanes of the M56 Westbound have now reopened, according to Inrix.
Some congestion remains but traffic is moving once again.
19th Mar16:30 BST
Standstill traffic in the area
National Highways' traffic map suggests standstill traffic in the area, reaching back to the M60.
Image: National Highways
19th Mar16:11 BST
Congestion reaching back to M60
Congestion is building to the north and east of the accident, tailing back to junction 1 of the M60, according to Google Maps' traffic data.
Image: Google Maps
19th Mar16:08 BST
Heavy traffic in the area
Cameras around junction six show heavy traffic building around the location of the accident.
Image: Highways England
19th Mar16:04 BST
Emergency services at the scene
Traffic cameras show emergency services at the scene this afternoon.
The incident appears to involve two vehicles.
19th Mar16:01 BST
One lane closed on westbound carriageway
One lane of the westbound carriageway remains closed, according to traffic cameras.
The accient was reported just after 3:30pm today.