M56 Junction 7: Bowdon, Altrincham, Northwich
M56 J7 — It includes J8 as a combined interchange complex known as the Bowdon Interchange. It connects to the A56 running north to Altrincham and the A556 running south where it meets the M6 J19 in the Tabley area.
Either side, Hale Four Seasons is about three miles away and Lymm Interchange about five.
Check this junction now: live M56 speed flow map · latest M56 traffic news · M56 trends
Collisions near junction 7: the police recorded 10 injury collisions on the M56 within about 2.5 km of this junction in 2024 and 2025 (4 serious, 6 slight); 6 on a wet or icy surface; 4 in darkness; 3 in the morning or evening rush hour. Source: Department for Transport road safety data (STATS19).
- Junction M56 J7
- Signed for A556, A56 · Bowdon, Altrincham, Northwich
- Next junction westbound J9, 6.2 miles
- Next junction eastbound J6, 3.0 miles
Live traffic at M56 junction 7
The speed strip below shows the M56 from junction 5 to junction 10, both directions, from National Highways’ live data, checked every five minutes.
Live traffic speed flow: M56 Junctions 5 to 10
Untick all three to see just the speeds. We show the important overhead signs and the mandatory speed limits (red ring); see every overhead sign.
Go to our live M56 traffic speed flow map ›
NOTE: The speed flow, overhead sign messages or other information shown on our live traffic speed flow map is updated every few minutes. We cross check the data and aim to provide warnings if there could be a delay or an inaccurate speed reading. There can be occasions, beyond our control, and despite our best efforts where the speed flow could be inaccurate. We cannot therefore guarantee the speed you can expect on any stretch of the motorway is always accurately shown. However we hope you will find our live traffic speed flow map a useful tool in trying to plan your journey. Safe driving.
All the latest M56 traffic news →Live M56 traffic flow map →
Around M56 Junction 7: Towns and Places on the Map
| Place | What it is | From the junction |
|---|---|---|
| Dunham Massey Park | Attraction | About 1.5 miles north-west |
| Hale | Railway station | About 2 miles north-east |
| Tatton Dale Farm | Attraction | About 2 miles south |
| Tatton Park Mansion | Attraction | About 2 miles south |
| Tatton Park | Park or nature reserve | About 2.5 miles south |
| Atlantic Street Retail Park | Shopping | About 3 miles north |
| Redhouse Farm | Attraction | About 3 miles north |
| Manchester Airport | Airport | About 4 miles east |
Junctions either side
Live traffic news at M56 Junction 7
Incidents and roadworks between Junction 6 and Junction 8 that we are aware of.
M56 Eastbound Lanes 2 and 3 closure (MP 22/0 to 20/1)
01:36 (1:36am)22 Oct 2026reported 41 min ago
- Location
- M56 eastbound between J9 and J7
- Direction
- Eastbound
- Lanes closed
- Lane closures
- Reason
- Roadworks
- Schedule
- 20:33 (8:33pm) Wed 21 Oct 2026 → 06:00 (6am) Thu 22 Oct 2026
+ 17 more near Junction 7 - see all the M56 traffic news →
This is the news for Junction 7 only, not the whole M56. For the rest of the motorway see all the latest M56 traffic news, the overhead signs and the speed limits in force now.
Updated 02:17 (2:17am) Thu 22 Oct 2026