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At a glance

🕐 Last verified 23 Feb, 10:25

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StatusCleared
Severity (NH)Severe
RoadM56
DirectionWestbound
RegionNorth West
CountyManchester District
Category (NH)Vehicle Fire
ReportedMon 23 Feb, 09:09
Cleared10:25
Lasted1h 15m
Road typeMotorway
Speed limit70 mph (variable)
Weather⛅ Partly cloudy
ReferenceREF-9752468
Views108

Times are UK time.

What National Highways say

M56 westbound between J6 and J7 | Westbound | Vehicle Fire

Location : The M56 westbound between junctions J6 and J8 . Lane Closures : Lane one is closed. Reason : Vehicle fire. Status : Currently Active. Time To Clear : The event is expected to clear between 10:45 and 11:00 on 23 February 2026. Return To Normal : Normal traffic conditions are expected between 10:45 and 11:00 on 23 February 2026. Lanes Closed : There is one of four lanes closed.

The official National Highways record of this incident, kept here after the road reopens.

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Live Incident Timeline

1 update captured · 2 affected segments · Cleared

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Recent M56 incidents

26 incidents and roadworks logged on the M56 in the last 30 days, 13 of them serious or severe. Times are UK time.

M56 | Cheshire | Carriageway Closure | Expect DelaysTue 8 Sep, 00:06 M56 | Cheshire | Carriageway Closure | Expect DelaysMon 31 Aug, 01:27 M56 | Cheshire | Carriageway Closure | Expect DelaysMon 17 Aug, 00:01 link road from M56 J9 eastbound to M6 J20 northbound | Northbound | CongestionMon 29 Jun, 17:15 M56 J2 eastbound access | Eastbound | CongestionMon 29 Jun, 16:48 M56 eastbound within J15 | Eastbound | CongestionSun 28 Jun, 15:54
Every M56 incident

Common questions

Is the M56 closed?

Not because of this vehicle fire. It cleared at 10:25 UK time on Mon 23 Feb. See the M56 right now.

What happened on the M56 on 23 Feb 2026?

Vehicle fire on the M56 westbound J6 to J7 in Manchester District, reported at 09:09 UK time on Mon 23 Feb. Cleared at 10:25.

How long did it last?

1h 15m, from 09:09 UK time on Mon 23 Feb.

Where can I see everything else on the M56?

The M56 live page shows what is happening now, and the M56 archive has every incident on record.

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