Advice for drivers in Cheshire after M53 closure

Drivers in Cheshire are being advised to allow more time for their journeys today as the M53 is closed southbound because of an infrastrure defect found overnight.

It was found between junction 9 at Ellesmere Port and J11 at Stoak during planned overnight roadworks.

National Highways says due to the nature of the repairs required, the road is expected to remain closed until Monday 8 April at the earliest with further updates shared as soon as possible.

While the closure is in place, motorists will be directed via the following diversions:

Diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol:

• Exit the M53 southbound at junction 9 (Ellesmere Port) and join the A5032 Station Road southbound

• Continue southbound, passing through Ellesmere Port until Strawberry Roundabout with the A5117 at Backford Cross.

Here, traffic can then take one of the following options:

Traffic wishing to continue onward to re-join the M53 southbound at J12:

• Continue straight over Strawberry Roundabout and continue on Whitby Lane

• At the junction with the A41 Liverpool Road, turn left and join the A41 southbound

• Continue on the A41 southbound towards Chester

• At Hoole Roundabout with the A56, turn left onto the A56 Warrington Road and continue a short distance to then re-join the M53 southbound

Traffic wishing to join the M56 eastbound:

• Turn left at Strawberry Roundabout and join the A5117 Strawberry Way eastbound

• Continue until the M53 J10 roundabout

• Join the M53 southbound and then merge onto the M56 eastbound to continue onward journey

Anyone planning to travel in this area should plan ahead, allow more time to reach their destination or find alternative routes if at all possible.

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