A section of the M56 near to Manchester Airport is closed in both directions all weekend - causing potential travel chaos to drivers travelling in and out of the city.
Holidaymakers in particular have been warned to expect delays and plan ahead as a 25 mile diversion will be in place, which is likely to cause severe delays in the area.
Manchester Airport has warned passengers to allow extra time to arrive for their flights. It comes as bosses warned that long queues which have plagued the airport are set to continue 'for weeks.'
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As glorious sunshine is forecast all weekend, roads are expected to be busy around the whole of Greater Manchester - which could also cause a knock-on effect to traffic.
Below we have outlined everything motorists need to know about the M56 closures this weekend, including which part will be affected and why they are happening.
What part of t he M56 is closed?
For those motorists travelling towards Manchester (eastbound) junctions nine at Lymm Interchange to junction five for Manchester airport will be shut.
For drivers travelling away from Manchester, (westbound) junction five to junction eight at Bowden will be closed. Diversions are in place but are set to add an extra 25 miles to motorist's journey times.
How long is it closed for?
The motorway will be closed in both directions from 9pm on Friday, March 25 to 5.30am on Monday, March 28. All routes should return to normal by Monday rush-hour.
Why is it closed?
The closure's been put in place due to work on an £85 million motorway upgrade. Workers will install two new 60 tonne 'superspan gantries and other equipment in preparation for the launch of a Smart Motorway.
What are the diversions?
National Highways project manager, Clare Bond said: "Very good motorway diversions will be in place at the weekend but we are urging drivers to spend a little more time planning their journeys – including checking traffic conditions before setting out, leaving a bit of extra time for travelling and following the diversion information."
Diversions via the M60, M62 and M6 for westbound traffic and M6, M62 and M60 for eastbound drivers will be in place. Drivers from Cheshire, Wales and Midlands heading to the airport will need to use the diversion route from junction nine of the M56 via the northbound M6, eastbound M62 and anti-clockwise M60 to access the westbound M56.
What Manchester Airport say
In a statement on the Manchester Airport's website, bosses said: "The closure of the M56 will be in place from 9pm Friday 25 March, until 5.30am Monday 28 March 2022.
"To safely complete these works, National Highways will be closing both carriageways for the full weekend as follows: Junctions 9 to 5 will be closed for eastbound traffic (heading towards Manchester).
"Junctions 5 to 8 will be closed for westbound traffic (heading away from Manchester). Traffic will be diverted while this work is being carried out.
"Drivers are asked to follow the signed M56 diversion routes during these closures. Please do not use satnav when following the diversion. Delays are expected, before travelling plan ahead and allow extra time to complete your journey."
