UK motorway gets ready to close for first time in 64 years to make way for crucial bridge works

The M62 will be closed over two weekends with the closures affecting the eastbound carriageway between J18 and J20 and the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20.

The closures will take place from 9pm on Friday September 6 until 6am on Monday September 9.

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Motorists are advised to avoid this section of the M62 during the closures as it is expected to delay journeys.

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said: “The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway, and crucial to the country’s economy as six per cent of the UK’s energy supply relies on the bridge for transportation.

“I’d like to thank passengers and motorists for their understanding while we carry out this work.

“It is a unique project that sees weekend closures of the M62 for the first time. Please, check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale from 6 – 25 September 2024.”

Meanwhile, Steve Mason, north-west programme delivery manager at National Highways, added: “The collaboration between Network Rail and National Highways highlights our commitment to minimising disruption for both rail and road users during this essential project.

“We appreciate the understanding of passengers and motorists during this work and urge them to check travel plans for September 2024.

“National Highways is actively working with Network Rail to communicate the impact on road users and ensure a smooth process during this important upgrade.”

As part of the roadworks, the M62 will be reduced to three lanes until 18 October when the work is expected to end.

Last month, two 42-metre, 70-tonne steel beams were delivered to the work site during an overnight closure of the M62.

The beams travelled over 200 miles to the M62 site where the bridge will be built in situ ahead of its installation.

Since then, engineers have been working to prepare the bridge for its installation in September. During the road closure, engineers will dismantle the old bridge and take it away on the M62.

The new bridge will then be installed during the second weekend of closures between Friday 20 September at 6am until Monday September 23.

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From Monday September 9 until Friday September 20 there will be nightly closures of the M62 between J19 and J20 from 9pm to 6am.