M62 Rochdale closures, diversions and train lines impacted by Network Rail bridge replacement work - full list

The work will see the road closed between junction 19 Heywood and junction 20 Rochdale. This is in order for Network Rail to demolish and replace Castleton rail bridge. 

For two weekends this month, the M62 will be closed in both directions at this point. These times are 9pm on Friday September 6 to Monday September 9 September at 6am. 

The second weekend where there will be closures is from Friday September 20 at 9pm. The road will reopen on Monday September 23 at 6am. With the closure coming up soon, we’ve rounded up the full details of the impact the rail bridge construction will have on roads and railways in the area.

Road closures 

M62 road closures and diversions

Due to the timings of the work over weekends, different closure and diversion arrangements will be in place for the westbound and eastbound carriageways. A map of the diversions can be found on the National Highways website.

Eastbound closure

The eastbound carriageway will be closed from junction 18 of the M62 at Simister Island interchange to junction 20 of the M62 at Rochdale.

Eastbound diversion

Eastbound drivers from the M60 or M66 will:

• follow the M60 from junction 18 (Simister Island) to junction 21
• at M60 junction 21, take the A663 northbound to join the A627 at junction 1.
• Take the A627 north, rejoining the M62 at junction 20

Westbound closure

The westbound carriageway will be closed between junction 20 at Rochdale and junction 19 at Heywood.

Westbound diversion

From M62 junction 20, Westbound drivers will:

• take the A627(M) Southbound
• at A627(M) Slattocks interchange, head west to the A664 Rochdale Road
• take the A664 Rochdale Road West toward Middleton
• at Middleton, take the A6046 Hollin Lane Northbound
• rejoin the M62 at junction 19

M62 junction 19 and 20 overnight closures

Between the first and second weekend closures, the M62 will be closed nightly (9pm to 6am) in both directions between junctions 19 and 20.

A clearly-signed diversion will be in place for:

• Westbound drivers - by the A627(M), A664 and A6046
• Eastbound drivers - by the A6046, A664 and A627(M)

Train disruption caused by M62 closure

There will be considerate disruption on a rail line across Greater Manchester due to the railway bridge work. The line between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale is closed from Friday September 6 up to and including Tuesday September 24.

During this time, a replacement bus service will be in operation between Victoria and Rochdale. On September 14 and 15 and then September 21 and 22 - a rail replacement bus will operate between Hebden Bridge and Victoria. 

A spokesperson for Northern said: "Network Rail is investing more than £20m in rebuilding a major railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton, near Rochdale. "We’re encouraging customers to plan ahead and check before they travel, whilst this vital work takes place. The railway will be closed between Rochdale and Manchester from Friday, September 6, and reopening on Wednesday, September 25 2024.

"Buses will replace trains between Rochdale and Manchester whilst the work takes place. Your journey might also be affected if you’re travelling from places like Leeds and Bradford to Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Manchester, as trains will be unable to divert and may be replaced by buses. Journeys will take longer than usual and the last services of the day may be much earlier than normal. Please check before travelling and allow plenty of time to get to your destination."