Leeds train passengers and drivers set to face ‘major disruption’ as work begins on railway bridge across M62

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Warnings have been issued to train passengers and drivers as major railway works are set to cause severe disruptions to train services and traffic on the M62. The railway will be closed between Rochdale [2] and Manchester [3] for most of September while engineers [4] rebuild the bridge across the motorway in Castleton, near Rochdale. The road below will also be closed between two junctions over two weekends.

A number of train services to and from Leeds will be affected while Network Rail rebuilds Castleton bridge. | Network Rail

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." The operator added that during the works, journeys will take longer than usual and the last service of the day may be much earlier than normal. The following train services [5] will be affected between Friday, September 6 and Wednesday, September 25:

Leeds to Manchester Victoria and Chester via Bradford Interchange
Leeds to Wigan via Brighouse and Manchester Victoria
Blackpool North to York via Bradford and Leeds
Blackburn to Headbolt Lane via Todmorden and Manchester Victoria
Rochdale to Clitheroe via Manchester Victoria
Halifax to Hull via Bradford Interchange and Leeds

The M62 will be closed between Junction 18 and Junction 20 from late Friday, September 6 to early morning on Monday, September 9, and again on the evening of Friday, September 20 to the early morning on Monday, September 23.

Amy Williams, regional director 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, more information will be shared in the coming months."

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, added: "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. Please, check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale in September 2024.".

References

^ Visit Shots! now (www.shotstv.com)
^ Rochdale (www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk)
^ Manchester (www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk)
^ engineers (www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk)
^ train services (www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk)