M62 to close at Rochdale for second weekend due to major bridge works - full details including diversions

The work, which is being led by Network Rail, is to reconstruct a railway bridge over the motorway. The first weekend of September 6 to 9 was for the removal of the old bridge. 

This coming weekend, September 20 to 23, will see construction of the new bridge take place. This is part of a £20 million investment in both the road and railway line, and will see the M62’s new, bespoke bridge which is 42 metres long and weighs 350 tonnes being transported into its permanent position.

For this work to be carried out, the M62 will be closed from 9pm on Friday September 20 until 6am on Monday September 23. Junctions 18 and 20 eastbound will be closed, as will junctions 20 and 19 westbound. Outside of the times of this full road closure, the motorway will be reduced to three lanes.

Impact to train services 

The line between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale will remain closed during the rebuilding work. This will remain the case until Wednesday September 25 

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said:  “We understand this motorway closure 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% of the UK’s energy supply remains secure.” 

David Hunter, Network Rail’s senior freight manager, emphasised the importance of this project for the nation’s infrastructure: 

He 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.”