Drivers are enduring gridlock again after a collision on the M56 between Runcorn and Helsby.
Highways England's live traffic map said traffic on the westbound carriageway are facing delays of 90 minutes with normal conditions not expected to resume until between 10.45am and 11am.
The agency said the resulting tailbacks span "several miles" and has suggested that drivers might want to find an alternative route.
It described the incident as "serious".
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Motorists are also being delayed on the eastbound carriageway where two lanes have also been shut as part of the emergency response.
There is standing traffic back as far back as Preston Brook on the westbound carriageway and as far back as Stoak Interchange on the eastbound.
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A Cheshire police spokeswoman said the incident happened at around 8am and involved a black Volkswagen and a blue Ford transit.
She said there are believed to be no injuries.
Highways England said lanes one and two are closed in each direction.
An ambulance and the fire service are also at the scene.
North West Motorways Police has advised motorists to approach with care.
A North West Ambulance Service spokeswoman said an ambulance and advanced paramedic attended but no-one had to go to hospital as the patients had "minor injuries".
A Highways England spokesman said: "The M56 currently has delays of at least 40 minutes in both directions between J12 (Runcorn) and J14 (Hapsford), covering several miles of the road with delays for traffic in both directions.
"The delays are due to a serious incident with lanes one and two closed in both directions. Highways England has been working closely with our emergency services colleagues and has resources deployed working hard to restore normal conditions as soon as possible.
"For traffic approaching the delays locally, you are advised to expect disruption with extra journey time and you may wish re-route or delay your journey.
"If travelling towards this area from much farther afield, you may wish to change your strategic route, allow extra travel time and follow guidance from our on-road variable message signs and media."
