M56 motorway lane still closed after lorry caught fire

J14 Hapsford and J12 Runcorn saw major delays after the fire broke out, with think smoke covering much of the motorway. Work has also begun to repair the damage to the carriageway following the fire. There are still heavy delays on this part of the motorway of up to 30 minutes.

A spokesman for National Highways North West said: “Lane 1 (of 3) remains closed on the #M56 eastbound between J14 #Hapsford and #J12 #Runcorn following yesterdays HGV fire. “Contractors[1] continue to repair the extensive damage to the carriageway. “There is currently 6 miles of congestion with 30 minute delays on the approach.”

Yesterday evening, Cheshire Police[2] were in attendance and urged drivers to avoid the area. A spokesman said: “The M56 [3]is currently closed in both directions between J14 (Hapsford) and J12 (Runcorn) while emergency services deal with a HGV fire.

“Please avoid the area and follow any signed diversions.

Check @HighwaysNWest for updates.” Cheshire Fire are on the hard shoulder putting the fire out. A spokesman said: “We are currently dealing with a fire involving a heavy goods vehicle on the hard shoulder of the M56 Eastbound between junctions 12 and 14.

“Please avoid the area if you can.”

References

1. ^ “Contractors (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Police (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)
3. ^ “The M56 (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Lorry up in flames on M56 as traffic stopped in both directions (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)
5. ^ Car fire breaks out on M60, junction 3, Greater Manchester (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)
6. ^ Lanes closed after electric fault stops vehicle braking (www.theboltonnews.co.uk)