Evening traffic warning as M6 closed by high winds

HIGH winds have forced the closure of the Thelwall Viaduct on the M6, and transport authorities are warning of severe traffic congestion this evening.

The heavily-used motorway will be closed between junctions 20 and 21 until at least 9pm tonight.

Emergency diversions will be in place for the rush hour. These are via the A556, the M56, M60 and M62 networks and commuters are being urged to plan their journey home and in good time.

Wind speeds of 80mph are currently buffeting the region and the M6 is also currently closed at Junction 19 around Knutsford too.

Network Rail has also warned of disruption on the West Coast mainline between the North West and Scotland.