Drivers issued warning as M56 fully closed near Manchester Airport due to vehicle fire

Drivers have been told to avoid a section of the M56 this morning after all lanes were closed due to a vehicle fire.

All lanes are currently shut on the eastbound carriageway between junction seven for Bowdon and junction six for Wilmslow Road, while one lane has been closed on the westbound carriageway, according to Transport for Greater Manchester. 

Drivers are now being urged to avoid the area and find a different route for their journeys today.

A tweet shared by TfGM this morning reads: “M56 between J7 and J6. All lanes closed traveling eastbound.

“One lane closed traveling westbound. This is due to a vehicle fire. Seek an alternative route and allow extra time for your journey. Follow @HighwaysNWEST for updates.”

According to Cheshire Fire Service, firefighters in breathing apparatus were at the scene at around 8 o’clock this morning with two hose reel jets.

Police and highways are managing traffic while the fire is being dealt with.

Highways England said in a statement: “Drivers in Cheshire and Greater Manchester are being advised the eastbound M56 between junction 7 at Bowdon and junction 6 at Hale Barns is closed this morning following a serious incident.

“The incident happened shortly before 7am involving a single vehicle and the eastbound carriageway is likely to remain closed well into the morning while police carry out an incident investigation.

“The closures at junction 7 include the dedicated link road from the northbound A556 Knutsford to Bowdon bypass onto the eastbound M56.

“A diversion is in place with drivers being sent onto the northbound A56 from junction 7 of the M56.”

Highways England have said the motorway will remain shut ‘well into the morning’.