Travelers heading to a major UK airport this weekend should be aware of significant disruptions due to planned motorway closures. The M62, a crucial link between the North East and North West, will experience extensive closures as part of a £22 million infrastructure upgrade, with delays expected to persist for several months.
Recently, the motorway was closed for the first time during the day as part of a joint initiative between National Highways and Network Rail to remove an old railway bridge in Castleton, Greater Manchester. With that bridge now dismantled, the road will be closed again over the weekend for the installation of a new bridge.
Motorists are strongly advised to plan for alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys. Manchester Airport has issued warnings to passengers, recommending early departures and alternative travel routes to avoid missing flights. Similarly, Jet2 has advised travelers to steer clear of the affected motorway sections, though all flights are expected to operate as scheduled.
The M62 will be closed eastbound from J18 to J20 and westbound from J19 to J20. Additionally, train services between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale will be suspended, with rail replacement bus services available. The motorway closures will be in effect from 9 PM on September 20 to 6 AM on September 23, with the road restricted to two lanes until mid-October.
Olivia Bolan from Network Rail emphasized the critical importance of replacing the Castleton bridge, stating, “The bridge replacement is vital for ensuring the safe operation of our railway system and is crucial to the UK’s economy, as it supports the transportation of six percent of the country’s energy supply. We appreciate the patience of both passengers and motorists during this essential work.”
Bolan also noted the unprecedented nature of the project, highlighting that this will be the first time the M62 experiences weekend closures. She advised travelers to stay informed about the impact on their journeys between Manchester and Rochdale from September 6 to 25, 2024.
Steve Mason, North West Programme Delivery Manager for National Highways, added, “This collaboration with Network Rail underscores our commitment to minimizing disruptions for both road and rail users throughout this significant upgrade. We are working closely with Network Rail to keep everyone informed and ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. We encourage all travelers to review their plans and prepare for changes during September 2024.”
The ongoing upgrade of the Castleton bridge is a critical project for both the rail and road networks, playing a key role in maintaining safety and supporting the UK’s energy supply. While the weekend closures of the M62 represent an unprecedented disruption, Network Rail and National Highways are committed to minimizing the impact on travelers. They urge everyone to plan ahead, check for updates, and allow extra time for their journeys. This collaborative effort reflects a shared dedication to improving infrastructure while ensuring that disruptions are managed as smoothly as possible. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated as this essential work progresses.
