Manchester Airport issues important warning to drivers ahead of their holidays

Manchester Airport has issued an important warning to all drivers before jetting off on their holidays. The airport made the announcement on social media and urged travellers heading to the airport by car to allow extra time due to roadworks nearby.

It comes after National Highways announced the M56 would be closing during various weekends in September for the current carriageway to be transformed into an all-lane 'smart' motorway. The adjustments will be made to the motorway between junctions 5 and 8 but will mean drivers could face disruption and a 25-mile diversion.

Manchester Airport warned all those heading there by car to expect delays over the coming weeks and allow extra time for their journey. In July, the airport encouraged all travellers to arrive three hours before their flight time, following scenes of large check-in and security queues in recent months.

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In an update, Manchester Airport shared a warning to drivers on their Twitter page. It said: "Delays are expected. Please allow extra time for your journey to the airport. Signed diversions will be in place."

In the first weekend of September, from September 2 to 4, National Highways closed the westbound carriageway between junctions 5 (Manchester Airport) and 8 (Bowdon) between 9pm and 7am.

Further closures are also planned, with a full weekend closure in place on both carriageways of the M56 from 9pm on Friday (September 9) to 6am on Monday (September 12). Junctions 9 to 5 will be closed for eastbound traffic, heading towards Manchester, with junctions 5 to 8 also set to be closed on the westbound carriageway.

The works are being carried out throughout weekends in September (National Highways)

Diversions will be in place, with drivers urged to allow extra time for their journeys. A westbound diversion will include travelling on the M60, M62 and M6 while drivers who planned on using the M56 eastbound, either heading towards Manchester city centre or the airport, will use the M6, M62 and M60.

Full details about the closures and diversions can be found on the National Highways website.

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