Drivers are bracing for another challenging weekend as the M62 motorway will experience closing operations again from tonight until early Monday morning. This closure, which affects both directions around Rochdale, is part of the continuing efforts to replace the Castleton railway bridge, which spans over the busy motorway.
The M62 is set to close completely from 9 PM on September 20 until 6 AM on September 23, impacting significant portions of the motorway frequently used by commuters. This marks the second weekend this month where traffic will be severely disrupted as Network Rail implements necessary infrastructure work.
Earlier this month, the motorway was shut down for similar reasons, leading to notable delays and congestion across the network during the weekend when Castleton bridge was demolished. Observations from the first closure indicated considerable backups along the M60 and westbound M62, alongside diversion routes. Motorists reported lengthy queues and the frustration of detours, making travel plans quite troublesome.
Gary Farrell, the senior network planner at National Highways, cautioned: "During the first weekend closure, we saw significant if unsurprising congestion at times on the approaches to the closure, along both the clockwise M60 and westbound M62, as well as the diversion routes. This weekend, queues are likely again along the M60, M62, and diversion routes, especially during the day." He urges travelers to either delay their journeys or utilize alternative routes far from this area to alleviate potential travel disruptions.
To assist motorists, National Highways has set up real-time messaging on electronic signs throughout the motorway network to provide updates about traffic conditions and incidents. With about 120,000 vehicles traveling the M62 daily, it's understood how pivotal this route is for both local and long-distance travel.
For those needing to navigate the area, specific traffic management plans include the eastbound closure from junction 18 (Simister Island) to junction 20 (Rochdale). The westbound side will close from junction 20 to junction 19 (Heywood). Alternate routes have been suggested; drivers coming from the M66 or clockwise M60 should divert at junction 21 of the M60, traveling northbound on the A663 (Broadway) and the A627M to rejoin the M62 at junction 20.
For westbound traffic, diversions will also be established, with motorists advised to transition from the M62 at junction 20. They will need to navigate south on the A627(M), continue to the A664, and utilize the A6046 to merge back on the M62 at junction 19. All these measures aim to keep the traffic flowing smoothly for those needing to go through or around the affected regions.
It’s not just the motorists who are affected by the bridge replacement; rail services running from Manchester Victoria to Rochdale will also be halted during this time until September 25. Passengers are advised to plan accordingly and utilize rail replacement bus services operating throughout the duration of the closure.
Meanwhile, communication efforts are being ramped up by both Network Rail and National Highways to keep the public informed about the project’s status and the associated road closures. Staff at National Highways’ regional operations centre, located at Newton-le-Willows, will again be monitoring conditions and will continuously update drivers through various communication channels, including social media and their 24-7 customer call center.
The Castleton bridge itself, nearing 60 years old, is deemed-critical for maintaining not only local railway operations but also wider freight transport routes across the Pennines. "This bridge replacement is important for the continued safe running of our railway and to secure the transportation of 6 percent of the UK’s energy supply," said Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor. She acknowledged the inconvenience caused to both rail and road users during the closure.
While the closure may be unavoidable for infrastructural safety and efficiency, the collaborative efforts between these two transportation bodies aim to manage disruptions effectively. The commitment to keeping the public informed and ensuring smooth conditions for all road users reflects the importance of public transit infrastructure, which is both costly and indispensable to everyday life.
Motorists are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest conditions through traffic information services to check for congestion and incidents before leaving their homes. By taking proactive measures and being aware of alternate travel routes, drivers can reduce their stress level and navigate around these changes more effectively.
Some overnight lane closures along the M62 may be needed after the weekend to support the project’s completion, but these are expected to have minimal impact on overall motorway journeys. Therefore, it’s prudent for all travelers during this period to remain patient and flexible with their travel plans.
The M62 not only provides key connectivity between major urban centers like Liverpool and Hull, but it also facilitates economic development through smooth freight movement through the Pennines region. With so many daily travelers reliant on this route, the responsibility of maintaining safety and enhancing the infrastructure becomes even more significant.
This weekend's M62 closure is pivotal for the continued development and modernization of railway services and the bridge’s replacement aligns with wider government initiatives aimed at improving national transport systems.
Both Transportation bodies have made it clear through their communication channels to expect delays and plan accordingly. It is hoped these infrastructure updates will eventually lead to less congestion and smoother travel experiences, thereby enhancing the transport network for future generations.
