M62 traffic LIVE as weekend closure sparks misery and 45-minute tailbacks

Drivers are facing long delays due to the ongoing closure of the M62 in Greater Manchester. The motorway is shut in both directions, near to Rochdale, to allow a new railway bridge to be installed. The planned closure is in place until 6am tomorrow (Monday).

The M62's eastbound carriageway is shut from junction 18 at Simister Island to junction 20 at Rochdale. The westbound carriageway is closed between junction 19 at Heywood and junction 20. Diversions are in place, although there are reports of two-mile queues and heavy traffic in surrounding areas as motorists seek to navigate the closures.

The new 350 tonne bridge will carry trains over the motorway near Rochdale. The old bridge was torn down two weeks ago during a similar full weekend closure. This is a live event.

Follow the latest updates below.

References

1. ^ 'Motorists can abuse us all they want - we're going to keep doing it' (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)