Castleton Bridge, which spans the M62 and carries the railway from Manchester to Rochdale, is set to be replaced in September, causing disruption to both Rail and Road transport.
The work that needs to be undertaken to ensure everything is in place for the new bridge to be installed, will mean that part closures of lanes on the M62 will take place over the course of the summer and full closure of a section of the M62 will take place in September.
In terms of train services, there will be no trains between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale from 6 to 24 September.
During this time, the old bridge will be demolished and removed by lorries on the M62, after which the parts for the new bridge will be delivered which is to be built onsite.
Dates of M62 lane closures
Preliminary work for the preparation for the new bridge installation will mean some lanes on the M62 will be closed in the vicinity of Castleton bridge.
- Saturday 8–Friday 21 June the inside lane of the westbound carriageway will be closed between Junctions 19 & 20.
- Monday 24–Friday 28 June and Monday 1–Friday 5 July the westbound carriageway will be closed entirely during each night between 9pm and 5am.
- Friday 5–Monday 8 July the outside lane on both carriageways will be closed.
- Saturday 13 July-Friday 6 September the inside lane will be closed on both carriageways
During times of lane closures, the authorities will clearly signpost and cone off the area.
At times when the westbound section of the motorway is closed entirely, diversion signs will also be in place and clearly marked.Not only is this line vital for commuters heading through Greater Manchester to Rochdale and Manchester, it also carries 3000 freight trains per year with most heading for the UKs Drax power station near Selby which creates and provides 6% of the UK's electricity.
“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.”.
Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor
Full lane closures of the M62
There will be two weekends when all lanes on both carriageways will be closed between Junctions 18 and 20. These will be from:
- Friday 6 to Monday 9 September
- Friday 20 to Monday 23 September
In both instances, the motorway lanes will close on Friday evenings after the evening rush-hour and re-open on Monday mornings before the morning rush-hour.
Rail passengers wishing to travel between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale between the 6 and 24 September are advised to plan ahead and check services before they travel and use alternative services.
Network Rail and National Highways are working to aid motorists to inform them what this bridge replacement means to both Rail and Road transport.
Updates will be posted as the works progress these can be found at www.nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/north-west/m62-castleton-bridge-replacement/.
“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.”
Steve Mason, north-west programme delivery manager at National Highways,
