M56 fuel spill causes 90-minute delays between J12 and J14 as thousands of drivers across Cheshire faced severe disruption on Thursday morning, 8 January 2026, after a lorry overturned overnight and released large volumes of diesel and engine oil onto the carriageway between Runcorn and Elton. The WP Times reports, citing Cheshire Police and National Highways.
The crash happened shortly before midnight on Wednesday, 7 January, when a heavy goods vehicle lost control on the westbound M56 and rolled onto its side between Junction 12 (Runcorn) and Junction 14 (Elton). The impact ruptured the fuel tank, spilling diesel and engine oil across multiple lanes and forcing emergency services to close large sections of the motorway for safety reasons.
Crews from Cheshire Fire and Rescue, National Highways Traffic Officers and specialist environmental clean-up teams were deployed to contain the spill, which officials described as a “severe skid hazard”. Diesel on road surfaces significantly reduces tyre grip, especially for lorries, buses and motorcycles, meaning the motorway cannot be reopened until it has been fully treated and tested.
By 07:30 GMT on Thursday, traffic had backed up for more than seven miles, with average speeds dropping below 10mph in places. Congestion was reported on connecting routes including the M6 interchange, A557, A56 and local roads through Runcorn, Frodsham and Helsby, as navigation apps diverted thousands of vehicles away from the closed lanes.
National Highways confirmed that two lanes remain closed in both directions, warning drivers to expect delays of up to 90 minutes during the morning peak. Long-distance traffic heading towards Manchester Airport, Warrington and Liverpool has been advised to use alternative routes such as the M6, M62 or A55.
A spokesperson for National Highways said the clean-up operation was complex because fuel soaks into the road surface. “Diesel contamination requires specialist treatment and grip testing before lanes can be reopened. Safety is our priority and we will not rush the process,” the agency said.
Cheshire Police confirmed the lorry driver was treated at the scene and did not suffer life-threatening injuries. No other vehicles were involved, but officers remain on site to manage traffic and investigate what caused the crash.
There is currently no confirmed time for full reopening. Similar fuel-spill incidents on major motorways have taken several hours — and sometimes most of the day — to resolve due to the need to remove contaminated tarmac and restore safe driving conditions.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the M56 corridor if possible, to check National Highways updates, motorway message signs and local radio, and to allow significantly more time for journeys across Cheshire and the North Westtoday.
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