These impressive images show the arrival of two steel structures weighing a total of 140 tonnes to be used in the replacement of a railway bridge over the M62.

The replacement of Castleton Bridge, which is close to Junction 20 of the motorway, is a part of a £20 million investment into its infrastructure by Network Rail.

The two steel structures travelled more than 200 miles from Newbridge, Ireland to Holyhead, Wales, and on to the North West of England in the last few weeks.

To allow for their installation the M62 (Junction 18 to Junction 20) is to close for two whole weekends for the first time in its history on the weekend starting on September 6 and on the weekend starting on September 20.

(Image: Network Rail)

Olivia Boland, from Network Rail, said: "I would like to thank passengers and motorists for their understanding while we carry out this work. It is a unique project which sees weekend closures of the M62 for the first time. 

"Please check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale from September 6."

(Image: Network Rail)

In addition to the weekend closures the motorway is down to three lanes from July 28 to October 18.

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

(Image: Network Rail)

Here are the the weekend closures:

Friday, September 6 (9pm) - Monday, September 9 (6am)

Friday, September 20 (9pm) - Monday, September 23 (6am)

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.