THREE mile-long queues and up to half an hour of delays are being experienced on the M56 near Runcorn as emergency repairs are carried out.

One lane has been closed along the carriageway between junction 12, Runcorn and junction 14, Hapsford.

The slip road leading onto junction 12 is also currently closed.

National Highways are reporting queues of up to 3.5 miles with delays of up to half an hour while emergency repair work is carried out on the carriageway.

A spokesperson from National Highways said: "The M56 westbound between J12, Runcorn and J14, Hapsford, lane 1 (of 3) is closed for emergency repair works.

"The J12 westbound entry slip road is also closed. There is approx. 3.5 miles of congestion on approach, causing delays of 30 minutes above usual journey times."