Press release

Weekend closure for M56 eastbound Sharston Link

Drivers using the M56 in Greater Manchester are being advised the eastbound carriageway between junction 3 at Baguley and junction 1 with the M60 will be closed this weekend as work to repair a bridge over the Cheadle Branch railway line continues.

The route, between junction 3 of the M56 and junction 3 of the M60, is also known as the Sharston Link. It takes drivers from the eastbound M56 onto the anti-clockwise M60 and drivers travelling on the clockwise M60 onto the westbound M56.

The Highways Agency is replacing the existing parapets, repairing abutments, installing new expansion joints and carrying out bearings maintenance on the bridge.

The eastbound link road will be closed from 10pm tomorrow night (Friday 30 May) until 5am on Monday (2 June).

Drivers travelling along the eastbound M56 wanting to join the anticlockwise M60 via the Sharston Link should travel onto junction 5 of the M60 instead where they can join the clockwise carriageway, travel up to and leave at junction 6 and use the junction roundabouts to join the anti-clockwise M60 there.

Drivers living around Wythenshawe, Sharston and Gatley should note the entry slip road onto the eastbound M56 at junction 2 is included in the weekend closure and they should use alternative junctions to join the anticlockwise M60.

Drivers are advised to check traffic and travel conditions before setting out on journeys.

The Highways Agency provides live traffic information, including traffic flows, via its website. Information is also available from local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile platforms, such as the iPhone. Local Twitter services are also available at @HAtraffic_nwest and @HAtraffic_pen9 for transpennine routes.

Providing they can do so safely, road users can also call the Highways Agency Information Line (0300 123 5000) to keep up to date with road conditions

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer

Published 29 May 2014