M55 closure: Live updates as motorway remains closed westbound - diversions now in place
The motorway was closed for over three hours.
**THE M55 HAS NOW REOPENED - full story here:
Previous live updates:
The M55 westbound into Blackpool is still closed between J3 and J4 due to a concern for safety.
Police confirm the motorway will remain closed for some time yet.
They anticipate it will be clear between 7.30pm and 7.45pm with normal traffic conditions to return between 7pm and 7.15pm.
There are currently delays of 10 minutes with National Highways Traffic officers advising alternative routes:
Diversion route
Hollow Triangle Diversion – M55 Westbound J3 to J4
- Leave the M55 westbound at Junction 3. Head south on the A585 Fleetwood Road for just under 2 miles.
- Head west on the A583 Blackpool Road & then Preston New Road, for 4 miles, to re-join at J4.
Hollow Diamond Diversion – M55 Eastbound J4 to J3
Use the route listed above, roads in reverse order.
National Highways said that if this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
A spokesperson said: “We’d recommend looking for an alternative route and driving carefully, leaving plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
“We will be working closely with our colleagues from the Highways Agency to release traffic trapped at the location.
“We’ll update you once we know more. As always, thank you for your patience and stay safe if you’re out and about today.”
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional twitter feed. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.