M62's £20m bridge rebuild project to start in June

Network Rail is investing more than £20m in rebuilding a major railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton, near Rochdale.

The bridge, known as Castleton Bridge, carries 6% of the UK’s energy supply across the country, as freight trains carry material to and from Drax power station in Selby.

It plays a crucial role in the safe journeys of around 3,000 rail freight services a year.

The dates for the lane closures are:

• Saturday 8-Friday 21 June -  inside lane closure on the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20.
• Monday 24-Friday 28 June and Monday 1–Friday 5 July, full closures on the westbound carriageway on nights between 9pm and 5am. 
• Friday 5 Monday 8 July, outside lane will be closed on both carriageways. 
• Saturday 13 July-Friday 6 September, inside lane will be closed on both carriageways. 

During the night-time closures of the westbound carriageway, clearly-signed diversions will be in place. 

The work will ensure safe and reliable journeys for passengers and freight over this vital structure for years to come.

To complete the work, engineers need to dismantle the old bridge and take it away on the M62. The new bridge materials will be delivered by road and built on site.

The M62 will be closed over two weekends between J18 and J20:

• The evening of Friday 6-early morning Monday 9 September.
• The evening of Friday 20-early morning Monday 23 September.

The railway will be closed September 6-24 between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale. Passengers are advised to check before they travel during these dates. 

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said: “The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway, and crucial to the country’s economy as 6% of the UK’s energy supply relies on the bridge for transportation.

“I’d like to thank passengers and motorists for their understanding while we carry out this work.”

Network Rail is working with National Highways to help road users understand what the work means for them.