Motorists, especially those travelling to Manchester Airport, are advised to expect delays this coming weekend as the Highways Agency and their appointed contractors are continuing work to install the new £5.5 million Thorley Lane Bridge over the M56.
To enable the completion of the works a full closure of the M56 between junction 5 at Manchester Airport and junction 6 at Hale, in both directions, is planned from 10pm on Friday, 27th February, to 5am on Monday, 2nd March.
This is to permit the new bridge to be installed in its final position. Following this work it is anticipated that the bridge will be fully open for public use at the end of March.
Access for people heading to Manchester Airport will be maintained at all times throughout the weekend – but other drivers are urged to avoid the area and use the official diversion routes instead.
Highways Agency Project Sponsor Mark Mosley said "We would like to thank drivers for their patience with our work on this project over the last few months. The end is now in sight and following the demolition of the old bridge last August we have been building the new bridge on a site next to the motorway. Over the weekend at the end of February this will be carefully wheeled onto the motorway and then lifted into place.
"That work does require a second and very unusual full weekend closure of the motorway but access to the airport will be maintained at all times. Other drivers should completely avoid this part of the motorway network and use the very good diversions we'll have in place."
During the weekend, drivers heading along the eastbound M56 to Manchester Airport from the M6, other parts of Cheshire and North Wales will need to leave the motorway at junction 6 and use the short diversion to the airport via Runger Lane. All other drivers will need to use the M6, M62 and M60 diversion route in place from junction 9 of the M56 at Lymm Interchange.
Drivers heading to Manchester Airport from Manchester, the M60 and routes further east such as those in Yorkshire can access the airport as normal - from the westbound M56 at junction 5. However, anyone seeking to travel beyond the airport into Cheshire and towards North Wales should totally avoid the M56 and use the M60, M62 and M6 diversion via Lymm Interchange instead. Manchester Airports Group (MAG) Director of Passenger Services.
Wayne Poole said: "Whilst every effort is being made to minimise the disruption to airport users, the M56 closure will affect people travelling to and from Manchester Airport so we ask that people plan ahead for this closure and leave extra time to complete their journeys.
"We would also ask that anyone who is not travelling to Manchester Airport during the closure to please follow the relevant diversion signs to help you reach your intended destination as quickly as possible."
Further details of this closure and diversion routes can be found on the Highways Agency website.
