Network Rail is investing more than £20 million in rebuilding a major railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton, near Rochdale.
Lane closures will be in effect on:
- From Saturday 8 – Friday 21 June there will be an inside lane closure on the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20.
- From Monday 24 – Friday 28 June and Monday 1 – Friday 5 July, there will be full closures on the westbound carriageway on nights between 9pm and 5am.
- From Friday 5 – Monday 8 July the outside lane will closed on both carriageways.
- From Saturday 13 July – Friday 6 September the inside lane will be closed on both carriageways.
During the nighttime closures of the westbound carriageway, clearly-signed diversions will be in place.
The work will ensure safe and reliable journeys for passengers and freight over this vital structure for years to come. To complete the work, engineers need to dismantle the old bridge and take it away on the M62. The new bridge materials will be delivered by road and built on site.
The M62 will be closed over two weekends between J18 and J20:
- The evening of Friday 6 – early morning Monday 9 September.
- The evening of Friday 20 – early morning Monday 23 September.
The railway will be closed 6-24 September between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale. Passengers are advised to check before they travel during these dates. The bridge, known as Castleton bridge, carries 6% of the UK’s energy supply across the country, as freight trains carry material to and from Drax power station in Selby.
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 6% 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. I’m sorry for any inconvenience caused by the temporary lane closures as we prepare for this important project. Please, check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale in September 2024.”.
Network Rail is working with National Highways to help road users understand what the work means for them. Steve Mason, north-west programme delivery manager at National Highways, said: “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.”
The bridge plays a crucial role in the safe journeys of around 3000 rail freight services a year. David Hunter, Network Rail’s senior freight manager, said: “Castleton bridge is an essential part of the country’s freight network and is on a key freight route across the Pennines which links the west and east sides of the country.
“Heavy freight trains, which deliver aggregate products so the construction sector can keep building roads and houses, run over the bridge as well as several daily biomass services to Drax power station, which provide power to the national grid for electricity.”
Image credit: Network Rail
