M56 motorway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| North Cheshire Motorway | ||||
_map.svg) |
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Looking east from Junction 14
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| Route information | ||||
Part of  E22 |
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| Maintained by Highways England | ||||
| Length | 33.3 mi (53.6 km) | |||
| Existed | 1971–present | |||
| History | Opened: 1971 Completed: 1981 |
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| Major junctions | ||||
| East end | Cheadle | |||
  J1 → M60 motorway   J9 → M6 motorway   |
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| West end | Mollington | |||
| Location | ||||
| Counties: | Greater Manchester, Cheshire | |||
| Primary destinations: |
Manchester Manchester Airport Warrington Runcorn Ellesmere Port |
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| Road network | ||||
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→The M56 motorway, also known as the North Cheshire Motorway, is a major road in North West England. It helps people travel between the cities of Chester and Manchester. This motorway is very important because it also connects to Manchester Airport, making it easier for people to get to flights.
The M56 also links up with the A55, which is a road that takes drivers into North Wales. It also crosses the M6, which is another big motorway connecting many parts of the country. The M56 is about 33 miles (53 kilometers) long. It was first opened in 1971 and was fully completed by 1981.
What is a Motorway?
A motorway is a special type of road designed for fast and safe travel over long distances. It has several lanes for traffic going in the same direction, and there are no traffic lights or roundabouts. This helps cars keep moving smoothly. To get on or off a motorway, you use special ramps called "junctions."
Key Connections of the M56
The M56 connects to several other important motorways and places. These connections are called junctions.
- Junction 1 (M60): Near Cheadle, the M56 connects to the M60 motorway, which is a ring road around Manchester. This helps drivers reach different parts of the city.
- Junction 5 (Manchester Airport): This junction is super important as it leads directly to Manchester Airport. If you're flying from there, you'll likely use this exit.
- Junction 9 (M6): The M56 crosses the M6 motorway near Lymm. The M6 is one of the longest motorways in the UK, so this connection is vital for travel across the country.
- Junction 12 (Liverpool John Lennon Airport): This junction provides access to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, making it easier for people to travel to and from flights there.
- Junction 15 (M53): Near Ellesmere Port, the M56 connects to the M53 motorway. This motorway takes you towards Birkenhead and the Wirral Peninsula.
- Junction 16 (A494): The M56 ends here, and the road continues as the A494 towards North Wales.
Services Along the M56
Motorways often have "services" areas where drivers can stop for a break. These places usually have fuel stations, food, and restrooms. On the M56, you can find services at:
- Lymm Truck Stop: Located near Junction 9, this is a popular stop for both cars and lorries.
- Chester Services: Found near Junction 14, these services offer a convenient break point closer to Chester.
