Network Rail advances with its £22M Castleton bridge project over the M62, necessitating road and rail closures.
- The 42m bespoke bridge is to be installed over the M62, requiring temporary road closures between 20 and 23 September 2024.
- Castleton bridge is on Network Rail’s risk register due to issues with post-tensioned bridge design encountered in bridges from the 1960s and 1970s.
- Significant disruptions are anticipated, with alternative routes in place, but travellers are advised to be aware of potential delays.
- Key statements from Network Rail highlight the bridge’s role in secure transportation of vital freight, including energy supplies.
Network Rail is diligently progressing with its substantial £22M endeavour to replace the Castleton bridge over the M62. The project, entering its second phase, is poised to cause significant transport disruptions due to essential road and rail closures. The bespoke bridge, weighing an impressive 350 tonnes and stretching 42 metres, will be positioned into its permanent location over the course of the coming weekend.
To accommodate this intricate construction task, the M62 will experience closures from 9 PM on 20 September to 6 AM on 23 September 2024, impacting junctions 18 to 20 eastbound and 20 to 19 westbound. Simultaneously, rail users must prepare for a complete line closure between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale until 25 September. Such measures are necessary to address the risks associated with post-tensioned bridges constructed several decades ago, which are now prone to internal corrosion due to water ingress, resulting in these bridges being prioritised for replacement by Network Rail.
The Castleton bridge project is particularly pivotal as it could serve as a precedent for future infrastructural developments. According to Network Rail sponsor Olivia Boland, the ongoing work is vital for maintaining the uninterrupted safe operation of the railway system, which ensures the secure conveyance of approximately 6% of the UK’s energy requirements. Similarly, senior freight manager David Hunter emphasised the bridge’s critical function in supporting major freight routes, notably across the Pennines, facilitating the transport of essential construction materials and biomass deliveries crucial for the national grid.
The collaboration between Network Rail and National Highways, as noted by north-west programme delivery manager Steve Mason, underscores a concerted effort to minimise inconvenience for both road and rail users. This cooperation is geared towards efficient communication about the project’s impact and ensuring a streamlined process throughout this significant upgrade. Despite the comprehensive diversionary plans crafted by Network Rail, National Highways, and Rochdale Council, motorists are urged to remain vigilant and plan their journeys cautiously to mitigate potential delays.
The Castleton bridge replacement is a vital infrastructure upgrade, ensuring safety and efficiency in significant transport routes.
