M53 southbound closure expected for 'several more hours' after major crash

The M53's southbound carriageway in Merseyside will remain closed for “several more hours” following a “serious collision” this morning.

At around 8.15am, it was reported that a white Peugeot van had been in collision with a red Volkswagen car near to the junction 6 Eastham Interchange exit of the M53.

The crash prompted a full emergency response from Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, National Highways and the North West Ambulance Service, and the southbound carriage remains closed between junction 4 at Clatterbridge and junction 7 at Overpool near Ellesmere Port.

Sharing an update on X just before 3.30pm, National Highways North West said: “Reminder. M53 southbound between J4 Clatterbridge and J7 Overpool near Ellesmere Port. ROAD CLOSED. Due to investigation work after a serious collision. Road expected to remain closed for several more hours.”

According to the National Highways website, Merseyside Police remain on scene and are conducting a full collision investigation.

A diversion route is in place. It is as follows:

• Leave the M53 at J4
• At the roundabout take the fourth exit on to the B5151 Mount Road southbound
• At the junction with the B5133 turn left
• Follow the B5133 Neston Read eastbound
• At the junction with the A41 turn right
• Follow the A41 New Chester Road southbound to the next junction with the A550
• At the junction with the A550 turn right
• Follow the A550 Welsh Road southbound
• At the Two Mills junction with the A540 turn left
• Follow the A540 Parkgate Road southbound
• At the Parkgate junction with the A5117 turn left
• Follow the A5117 eastbound past Cheshire Oaks
• At the A5117/M53 J10 roundabout take the third exit to re-join the M53