Passengers and motorists are strongly urged to check their travel plans as Network Rail prepares for a multi-million-pound bridge replacement this weekend.
Network Rail is investing over £22 million to rebuild a 42-metre-long, 2000-tonne railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton, near Rochdale.
For the first time in recent memory, the M62 will be closed over two weekends.
The closures are on the eastbound carriageway between J18 and J20 and the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20:
- 9pm Friday 6 September – 6am Monday 9 September
- 9pm Friday 20 September – 6am Monday 23 September
Motorists are advised to avoid this area of the M62 during these closures by rescheduling journeys or planning alternative routes.
In addition to the weekend closures, nightly closures of the M62 between J19 and J20 will be in place from Monday, 9 September until Friday, 20 September between 9pm and 5am.
The railway will also be closed from Friday, 6 September until the early morning of Wednesday, 25 September between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale. Rail replacement buses will be in operation, and passengers are advised to review their travel plans well in advance, as journey times will be significantly longer than usual.
Castleton bridge plays an important part in the UK’s infrastructure, carrying 6% of the country’s energy supply across the nation, as freight trains transport materials 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’m very sorry for the inconvenience our work will cause motorists and passengers. If it is essential that you travel, please follow the signed diversionary routes and don’t rely on sat nav advice. Allow extra time for rail replacement journeys throughout September.”
Network Rail is working closely with National Highways and Transport for Greater Manchester to help road users understand what the work means for them.
Recently, two 42-metre, 70-tonne steel beams were delivered to the work site during an overnight closure of the M62.
Photographs from the site show the massive beams being positioned in preparation for the work. The beams, manufactured in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland, made their journey over the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales, before travelling with a police escort to the M62 site where the bridge will be built in situ.
Since the beams’ delivery, engineers have been preparing for this weekend’s critical work.
During this weekend’s road closure, engineers will dismantle the old bridge and remove it via the M62. The new bridge will then be installed during the second weekend closure later this month.
Image credit: Network Rail
