TRAFFIC is queuing on the M53 and M56 due to a broken down lorry carrying hazardous chemicals.

The main carriageway on the M53 northbound is closed at the M56 slip-road with traffic backed up to J12 at Chester.

Traffic is also queuing on the M56 westbound past J14 (Chester Services/Helsby) as the slip-road to get onto the M53 northbound is also clsoed as a result of the broken down lorry.

The closures have been in place since 5.25pm.

A diversion is in place via the M56 eastbound to J14 and the A5117 to M53 J10.

Highways England said: "The #M56 westbound link to the #M53 northbound at #J15 (#StoakInterchange #M53) is currently CLOSED.

"This also includes a closure at #J11 northbound #M53. Traffic Officers & Recovery are currently at the scene."