Why Was the M56 Closed Near Manchester Airport After a Serious Collision?

Quick answer: Part of the M56 near Manchester Airport was closed in both directions after a serious collision on the evening of Saturday 17 October 2026. Police were carrying out complex collision investigation works, and no casualty figures had been confirmed at the time of writing.

Key facts

• What: Serious road collision; motorway closure
• Where: M56 near Manchester Airport, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
• Reported: 17–18 October 2026
• Reported toll: No casualty figures confirmed
• Status: Closed in both directions for investigation works

What happened

Part of the M56 was closed near Manchester Airport on the evening of Saturday 17 October 2026, following what police described as a serious collision. The motorway was closed in both directions between junction 2, Sharston Interchange at Wythenshawe, and junction 5, Manchester Airport.

Greater Manchester Police were carrying out complex collision investigation works, with National Highways traffic officers assisting. Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and National Highways were in attendance.

Further details about the nature of the incident were yet to be confirmed. No casualty figures had been confirmed in the reporting seen, and this article does not state any.

The closure caused long delays. Queues built up, drivers were stuck for more than 90 minutes, trapped motorists were turned around, and diversions were put in place. The motorway was still closed at 05:03 BST on Sunday 18 October.

The closure was also reported by The Aviation Hub, the Oldham Times, The Mirror and other outlets, which likewise described a serious collision and a closure in both directions between junctions 2 and 5.

What happens next

The motorway was expected to reopen once police investigation works were complete. Any confirmed detail about the collision is expected to come from Greater Manchester Police.

Source: Manchester Evening News — https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/m56-traffic-live-police-shut-34780741

Frequently asked questions

Which part of the M56 was closed?

The M56 in both directions between junction 2, Sharston Interchange (Wythenshawe), and junction 5, Manchester Airport.

Why was the M56 closed?

Following a serious collision, so that police could carry out complex collision investigation works.

Were there any casualties?

No casualty figures had been confirmed in the reporting seen at the time of writing.

When did the closure happen?

On the evening of Saturday 17 October 2026. The motorway was still closed at 05:03 BST on Sunday 18 October.