A56 road

The A56 is a major road running from Chester in Cheshire to Broughton in North Yorkshire. It passes through Greater Manchester, cutting across both urban and rural landscapes. The route includes sections of single and dual carriageway, with parts running parallel to motorways like the M56 and M60. In Manchester city centre, the A56 becomes Deansgate, one of the city’s main shopping streets. Near Manchester Victoria railway station, it briefly takes the name Victoria Street before heading north-west towards Salford. The road is notable for its varied surroundings, from the dense streets of inner Manchester to the quieter countryside of east Lancashire. It crosses several motorways, including the M6, M60, and M66, linking key towns such as Warrington, Bury, and Burnley. The A56 also passes through historic areas like Altrincham and Sale, where it meets the M60 Manchester Outer Ring Road. Near Colne, the road turns north, heading towards Skipton and the rural parts of east Lancashire. A drive along the A56 offers glimpses of both urban and rural England. In Manchester, it runs through busy commercial districts before shifting to quieter villages like Foulridge and Earby. The road’s route reflects its role as a vital transport link, connecting cities, towns, and motorways. Near its end, it merges with the A59 west of Broughton, marking the final stretch of its long journey.