THE M56 is back open after a crash near Runcorn caused miles of queuing traffic.

The incident happened at around 2.30pm this afternoon (Saturday, July 30).

Two of the three lanes on the westbound carriageway, between junctions 12 and 11 were closed for more than two hours.

Emergency services were sent to the scene, with National Highways reporting around three miles of queuing traffic at the peak of the incident.

The agency went on to add that journey times were likely to have delays of around 40 minutes.

However, at around 4.50pm, they provided an update stating that all lanes were open, but delays of around 15 miles should still be expected.

A spokesman for National Highways said: "There are two miles of congestion following this incident causing 15 minute delays above normal travel time.

"Please allow time for these delays to clear."