MOTORISTS heading towards Manchester on the M56 were being warned of delays due to a five-vehicle collision on the eastbound carriageway.
The North West Air Ambulance had been deployed to tackle the incident, which completely blocked all lanes before the turn-off for Manchester Airport, junction 5.
Long delays were expected on the westbound carriageway as the air ambulance landed there to attend to those involved in the collision.
It is understood at least four people have been injured.
Highways England officers are at the scene, as are officers from the North West Motorway Police.
An update from Highways England at 1.22pm said two lanes on the eastbound carriageway had reopened following the collision but there were still long delays for motorists travelling from the M6.
A further update at 2.36pm said all lanes on the eastbound carriageway had now been reopened, but there were still delays of 15 minutes, so motorists were advised to plan extra time for their journey.
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