M62 shuts both ways as drivers warned of major traffic disruption

A stretch of motorway in Greater Manchester will be shut again this weekend as work to replace a railway bridge continues. The M62[1] has now closed in both directions around Rochdale[2], Heywood[3] and Middleton[4] from 9pm tonight (September 20) until 6am on Monday (September 23). It is the second weekend this month that the motorway will been shut as the Castleton bridge is replaced.

The last closure two weeks ago resulted in huge tailbacks and congestion. It comes as Network Rail replaces a railway bridge that runs through Castleton, carrying trains over the M62 between Manchester and Rochdale as part of a GBP22m project. Highways bosses are urging drivers planning to use the M62 this weekend to delay[6] their journey or plan a different route.

Gary Farrell, National Highways’ senior network planner, said: “During the first weekend closure we had significant if unsurprising congestion at times on the approaches to the closure along both the clockwise M60[7] and westbound M62 as well as the diversion routes. This weekend, queues are likely again along the M60, M62 and diversion routes especially during the day and we strongly urge people planning to travel to delay their journeys or use alternative routes well away from this part of the motorway network.

Video LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to play Tap to playThe video will auto-play soon8Cancel

“At the very least people should be checking for congestion or incidents before setting out and leaving extra time for journeys.” This weekend, the M62 will be closed eastbound from junction 18 at Simister Island to junction 20 at Rochdale, while the westbound carriageway will be closed between junction 20 and junction 19 at Heywood.

Drivers heading east are being asked to get off to junction 21 of the M60 at Chadderton[8], then use the northbound A663 (Broadway) and northbound A627M to join the M62 at junction 20.

Work on a GBP22m Network Rail project to rebuild a railway bridge over the M62 (Image: National Highways)

Westbound traffic is being diverted off the M62 at junction 20, onto the southbound A627(M), then the A664 and A6046 to re-join the M62 at junction 19. Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said: “We understand this motorway closure this will cause disruption, and we thank passengers and motorists for their patience and cooperation. Please check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale this weekend.”

“The second phase of the Castleton bridge replacement is essential for the continued safe running of our railway and to ensure the transportation of 6 per cent of the UK’s energy supply remains secure.” David Hunter, Network Rail’s senior freight manager, said: “Castleton bridge plays a vital role in the country’s freight network. It supports key freight routes across the Pennines, enabling the safe transport of essential materials for construction and the delivery of biomass to Drax power station, which provides power to the national grid.”

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.

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

References

1. ^ M62 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Rochdale (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ Heywood (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Middleton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^ The Greater Manchester MPs who got the most free football tickets and other gifts (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
6. ^ are urging drivers planning to use the M62 this weekend to delay (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
7. ^ M60 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
8. ^ Chadderton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)