TWO lanes are currently closed on the M56 following a crash this afternoon, Friday.

The accident involves four cars and a van.

It occurred on the eastbound carriageway between junction 14 for Chester services and Helsby and junction 12 for the A557 for Runcorn.

Long delays and six miles of queuing traffic is being reported, with travel time estimated to be around 60 minutes.

Congestion is stretching back to before junction 15 for the M53 interchange towards Manchester and junction 11 for Preston Brook, with a travel time of around 25 minutes for those going to Chester.

Lanes two and three, of three, are closed, while traffic on the opposite carriageway heading westbound is also slow due to onlookers.

National Highways is urging motorists to allow for extra time when making journeys on the motorway due to ‘severe delays’.