Why is the M53 closed today? Latest traffic updates as school bus crash in Wirral forces closure of motorway

A stretch of the M53 motorway^[1] in Merseyside has been closed after a school bus flipped and crashed into a reservation this morning.

One person has suffered “major trauma-related injuries”, and almost 50 others are being treated at the scene.

The crash involves children from Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School for girls, according to the local councillor for Upton By Chester, Sherin Akhtar. Both schools have said they are aware of the incident.

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said: “NWAS has declared a major incident following a road traffic collision between a coach and a car on the M53 northbound at approximately 8.30 this morning.

“The trust dispatched a large number of resources to the scene, including ambulances, advanced paramedics, our Hazardous Area Response Team and a HEMS doctor.

“So far, one female patient has been taken to the hospital, suffering major trauma-related injuries. There are also nearly 50 other patients being assessed at the scene. We are working closely with our incident partners to convey people away from the scene as quickly as possible.”

Where is the M53 closed?

The M53 in Merseyside is closed in both directions between J5 (Hooton) and J4 (Bebington).

National Highways traffic officers are on scene providing assistance with traffic management.

There are long delays on the southbound carriageway of up to 45 minutes, with approximately three miles of congestion. 

Where is the diversion?

Northbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol:

• Exit the M53 northbound at J5.
• At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A41 southbound (New Chester Road).
• At the B5133 junction, turn right onto the B5133 westbound (Hooton Road).
• At the junction with the B5151, turn right and join the B5151 northbound (Birkenhead Road).
• Continue to then rejoin the M53 at J4.

Southbound traffic is advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol:

• Exit the M53 southbound at J4.
• Take the third exit at the roundabout onto the B5151 southbound (Mount Road).
• At the junction with the B5133, turn left onto the B5133 eastbound (Neston Road).
• Continue onward and then at the junction with the A41, turn right and join the A41 New Chester Road northbound.
• Continue to then rejoin the M53 southbound at J5.

National Highways said: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to reroute or even delay your journey.”

Check the National Highways website^[2] for the latest updates, or call for up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.

References

1. ^{^} M53 motorway (inews.co.uk)
2. ^{^} National Highways website (www.trafficengland.com)