It follows a crash on the motorway, as well as heavier than usual traffic as people head to Daresbury for the start of Creamfields music festival.
Highways agencies are warning of delays of more than 90 minutes and in excess of six miles of congestion on the M56 following a crash.
Traffic was stopped for vehicles heading eastbound at around 5pm between junctions 14 for Hapsford and 12 for Runcorn.
This was due to a collision involving two cars, which have now been moved onto the hard shoulder.
In an update, National Highways said: “Traffic has now been released on the M56 eastbound in Cheshire between junctions 14 and 12, and all lanes have re-opened.
“Severe delays of over an hour and a half remain in the area, but these should now start to ease.
“There are also long delays on the westbound.”
Traffic monitoring system Inrix is warning: “Queueing traffic is traffic heavier than normal on the M56 both ways between junctions 14 and 11 for Chester Road at Preston Brook.
“There is also queueing traffic due to Creamfields music festival, with closures at times across the event starting at around 5am on Thursday on roads between Daresbury, Walton and Hatton.
Some closures may remain in place until Tuesday, with the event running from Thursday to Sunday, and campsites open at Midday on Thursday.”
Maps show that Chester Road, on approach to the Creamfields site, is also busy as expected.
