The M62 is in line for a lot of closures throughout the summer to allow for work on a bridge over the motorway.

Castleton Bridge is to be replaced as a part of a £20 million investment into its infrastructure by Network Rail.

To allow for work on the bridge, which weighs 2,000 tonnes, the M62 is in line for a lot of closures throughout the summer in the area of Junction 20, Thornham Interchange, which is the exit for Oldham and Rochdale. This includes two complete closures of the motorway over two weekends in September.

This is all the information:

  • June 8 - June 21: A 24-hour inside lane closure on the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20.
  • June 24 - June 28 and July 1 - July 5: An overnight complete closure on the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20 (9pm to 5am).
  • July 5 - July 8: A 24-hour outside lane closure on both carriageways between J19 and J20.
  • July 13 - September 6: A 24-hour inside lane closure on both carriageways between J19 and J20.
  • September 6 - September 9: A 24-hour complete closure on both carriageways between J18 and J20.
  • September 20 - September 23: A 24-hour complete closure on both carriageways between J18 and J20.

Additionally, there are no rail services between Manchester and Rochdale from September 6 to September 24.

Olivia Boland, of Network Rail, said: "The replacement of Castleton Bridge is essential to the safe running of our railway and to the country's economy as 6 per cent of the UK's energy supply relies on the bridge for transportation. I would like to thank passengers and motorists for their understanding while we carry out this work. 

"I am sorry for any inconvenience caused by the closures as we prepare for this project. Please check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale in September 2024."

For information go to nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/north-west/m62-castleton-bridge-replacement/.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.