DRIVERS in Cheshire are being urged to allow more time for their journeys.

This comes as the M53 southbound is closed between junctions nine for Ellesmere Port and 11 for Stoak.

The closure has been put in place due to an infrastructure defect discovered last night during planned overnight roadworks.

National Highways has said that “due to the nature” of the repairs required, the road is expected to remain closed until tomorrow (April 8) at the earliest.

"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," said a spokesperson for National Highways.

Further information and updates will be available at www.trafficengland.com or via the regional X (Twitter) feed @HighwaysNWEST.

National Highways’ 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up-to-the-minute information on 0300 123 5000.

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