Busy UK motorway to close for first time in history due to £22m mega-project | UK | News
A major UK motorway is set to close for £22m worth of works.
The M62, used by 150,000 people every day, is to undergo works that will result in its complete closure.
Stretching 107 miles across the Pennines, the motorway serves as a connecting point between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as Leeds and Hull in Yorkshire.
It will now close for the first time since it opened in 1960 as Network Rail seeks to replace a railway bridge in Greater Manchester.
There will be two closures. The first will allow workers to demolish the old bridge and remove the rubble. The second closure will allow the new bridge to be installed.
The first closure will take place from 9 p.m. on September 6 to 6 a.m. on September 9. The second will then follow the same hours from the evening of September 20 to the morning of September 23.
Drivers who regularly use the M62 are being urged to ‘check their travel plans’ to avoid disruption to their journeys.
Olivia Boland, Patron of Network Rail, said: “Replacing Castleton Bridge is essential for the safe operation of our railway and crucial for the country’s economy, as six per cent of the UK’s energy supply relies on the bridge for transport.
“I would like to thank passengers and motorists for their understanding while we carry out these works.
“This is a unique project which will see the M62 closed at weekends for the first time.
“Please check before travelling on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale from 6th to 25th September 2024.”
Steve Mason, North West Programme Delivery Lead for National Highways, added: “The collaboration between Network Rail and National Highways underlines our commitment to minimising disruption to rail and road users during this vital project.
“We appreciate the understanding of passengers and motorists during these works and urge them to check their travel plans for September 2024.
“National Highways is working actively with Network Rail to communicate the impact on road users and ensure a smooth process during this major upgrade.”
