M56 set for overnight lane closures after dramatic lorry fire

Drivers heading towards Manchester are being warned to expect disruption tonight as repair works take place following a dramatic lorry fire. Emergency services descended on the M56 in Cheshire after a HGV burst into flames on Wednesday evening (April 17).

The motorway was fully closed in both directions as fire crews, police and paramedics arrived on the scene. One lane of the eastbound M56, between junctions 14 at Hapsford and 12 at Runcorn, remains shut this evening while repairs take place.

But in an update issued this evening (Thursday), National Highways says further lane closures will be required overnight to complete the repairs. A spokesperson for National Highways North West posted on X (formerly Twitter): "To complete repairs to the carriageway, further lane closures are required.

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"To limit the delays this will be completed overnight. Apologies for any inconvenience experienced today."

An eyewitness told the Manchester Evening News that the lorry fire was 'scary', as huge flames billowed from the vehicle. "We felt the heat inside the car as we drove by," they said.

"I've never seen anything like that before, it was scary." Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said the lorry had been carrying top soil and cardboard waste. The driver had not been injured in the blaze.