A serious collision on the M56 motorway this morning has sparked significant travel chaos, with long delays building near Manchester Airport. The incident has led to the closure of a key exit for the airport, disrupting countless journeys.
Key Details of the M56 Incident
The crash occurred on the M56 westbound carriageway in the early hours of Sunday, 4 January 2026. In response, National Highways was forced to implement a full closure of the westbound exit slip road at Junction 5, which serves Manchester Airport. The closure was confirmed in an official statement posted by the government-owned company on the social media platform X.
Severe Disruption for Drivers
The closure has created a major bottleneck, with congestion stretching back along the westbound M56 between Junctions 3 and 5. Traffic was held temporarily while the slip road was closed, leading to stop-start conditions and lengthy queues. National Highways has advised motorists that normal traffic conditions are not expected to resume for several hours, urging drivers to allow extra time for their journeys or seek alternative routes if possible.
Ongoing Impact and Advice
The disruption is causing particular difficulty for passengers and staff travelling to and from Manchester Airport. While the exact nature of the collision has not been detailed, the impact on road users is severe. Authorities are managing the scene, and recovery and investigation work is underway. Drivers are strongly recommended to check live traffic updates before setting out and to consider the following:
- Avoid the M56 westbound between J3 and J5 if possible.
- Allow substantial extra time for travel if your journey involves the airport.
- Follow updates from National Highways for the latest on road reopening.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a single collision can cause widespread disruption on one of the region's busiest transport corridors.
