Weekend closure for M56 in Cheshire

National Highways will be closing the M56 between junctions 11 (Preston Brook) and 12 (Clifton Roundabout/Rocksavage Interchange) to install new safety barriers in preparation for the new bridge. The A533 Expressway will remain open during these closures.

The first of the two weekend closures had been due to take place last weekend, but was postponed over safety concerns in relation to operatives working near unstable barriers.

This closure is now scheduled to take place on the weekend of Friday 7 October to Monday 10 October 2022. The scheduled eastbound closure will go ahead as planned this weekend. The bridge installation is also still confirmed for the last weekend of October.

The planned closures take place on the following dates:

• 9pm Friday 30 September until 6am Monday 3 October

         M56 closed between junctions 12 and 11, eastbound only

• 9pm Friday 7 October until 6am Monday 10 October

         M56 closed between junctions 11 and 12, westbound only

• 9pm Friday 28 October until 6am Monday 31 October

         M56 closed in both directions between junctions 11 and 12. The A533 Expressway bridge will also be closed in both directions

Sam Whitfield, National Highways Project Manager, said:

“This work is an essential step in preparing for the installation of the replacement A533 Expressway bridge, which is currently being constructed off-site.

“The motorway will be closed eastbound only during the first weekend closure. During the second weekend, the motorway will be closed westbound only.

“Towards the end of October, we will be ready to lift the new bridge into position. To do this, we will close the M56 in both directions for one full weekend.

“At the same time, we will also need to close the A533 Expressway bridge in both directions, between Murdishaw roundabout and Preston Brook.

“We appreciate this will cause some disruption to those who use the M56 and the A533 and we thank you for your patience while we carry out this work.”

Clearly signed diversions making use of the local A558 and A533 roads will be in place and fully signposted.

Delays are expected and drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.