Network Rail to complete second phase of M62 Castleton bridge replacement this weekend: Drone image of the demolition of Castleton bridge-2

Tuesday 17 Sep 2024

Network Rail to complete second phase of M62 Castleton bridge replacement this weekend

Region & Route:
North West & Central
| North West & Central: North West

The second phase of Network Rail’s multi-million-pound project to rebuild Castleton bridge over the M62 in Rochdale takes place this weekend.  

This important upgrade, as part of a £20m investment, is crucial for both the railway and road networks, ensuring the safe transportation of passengers and freight.  

The work will see the M62’s new, bespoke bridge which is 42 metres long and weighs 350 tonnes being transported into its permanent position for years to come.  

To facilitate this work the M62 will be closed from 21:00 on Friday, 20 September, until 06:00 on Monday, 23 September in the following locations: 

  • Junctions 18 and 20 eastbound  
  • Junctions 20 and 19 westbound  

During this time, motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and expect delays if they choose to travel. Outside of this full road closure, the motorway will be reduced to three lanes with additional nightly closures to support the ongoing work. 

Rail services will also be affected, with the railway remaining closed between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale until 25th September. Passengers are encouraged to check before they travel and make use of rail replacement buses, which will be in operation throughout the period. 

Network Rail, National Highways, and Rochdale Council have established diversionary routes for the motorway closures, with detailed information available for road users. However, motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible, and check before travelling as significant delays are expected. 

 

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% 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: 

“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.” 

 

Notes to Editors

  • Drone timelapse footage from the first phase of the project has been released, providing an aerial view of the significant progress made so far. This footage showcases the intricate engineering involved in dismantling the old bridge and preparing for the new structure. This is available for media use Drone footage of M62 bridge demolition
  • Network Rail and National Highways are coordinating with Rochdale Council to provide clear diversionary routes during the closures. 
  • For the latest updates and travel information, please visit Network Rail’s website and National Highways’ website. 

Contact Information: 

  • Network Rail National Helpline: 03457 11 41 41
  • National Rail Enquiries: Visit the National Rail website for updated travel information.
  • Press Office (North West & Central): 0330 854 0100 / wwcmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
0330 854 0100
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk

About Network Rail

We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

Usually, there are almost five million journeys made in the UK and over 600 freight trains run on the network. People depend on Britain's railway for their daily commute, to visit friends and loved ones and to get them home safe every day. Our role is to deliver a safe and reliable railway, so we carefully manage and deliver thousands of projects every year that form part of the multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan, to grow and expand the nation's railway network to respond to the tremendous growth and demand the railway has experienced - a doubling of passenger journeys over the past 20 years.

Follow us on Twitter: @networkrail
Visit our online newsroom: www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk