Traffic was brought to a standstill on a section of the busy M56 motorway this morning because of concerns for safety of a man on a bridge.
Police closed the stretch, from junction 12 A557 (Runcorn) to junction 14 A5117 (Chester Services / Helsby), after receiving the report at around 2.30am on Thursday, May 19. Officers attended and found a man on a bridge between the junctions.
Road blocks were put in place, as traffic was unable to move in both directions. Diversions were also put in place, causing more congestion to junction 11, junction 15 and delays on the A55 around the Vicar's Cross Interchange and through Delamere, Cuddington and Whitley.
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Officers engaged with the man for five hours and he was taken to safety at around 7.40am. The road was in the process of being reopened at around 8am.
A Cheshire police spokesperson said: "At around 2.30am on Thursday 19 May police were called to reports of concerns for the welfare of a man on a bridge on the M56 between junction 12 and 14. Officers attended the scene and engaged with the man or several hours.
"The man was taken to a place of safety at around 7.40am. The road closures have since been lifted although traffic is still heavy in the area and motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journey."
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