Workers have begun demolishing an old railway bridge over the busy M62 motorway near Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The demolition work has led to a part of the M62 being closed for the entire weekend, causing inconvenience to tens of thousands of drivers. The affected stretch of the motorway is shut down to allow for the removal of the old bridge and the installation of a brand-new one, which costs around £22 million.

What’s Happening on the M62?

The motorway is a key route that connects various cities in the North of England. The bridge being demolished is located near Castleton, between junctions 18 and 20 eastbound, and junctions 20 to 19 westbound. The closure began on Friday, and the road is expected to be reopened by Monday morning at 6:00 AM.

Several bulldozers and heavy machinery were seen in action as they tore down parts of the bridge. BBC’s drone footage captured these powerful machines bringing down large sections of the structure that stood for six decades. The bridge was used by trains traveling between Manchester and Rochdale, including those carrying freight to and from the Drax power station in North Yorkshire.

Why Is the Bridge Being Demolished?

The bridge is being removed because it’s over 60 years old and has become outdated. As a vital part of the railway system, it is essential to replace the aging bridge to ensure the safety and reliability of rail services. This bridge has been an important link, especially for the Manchester Victoria to Leeds railway line. National Highways and Network Rail have decided to replace it with a modern structure that will better serve the community and rail networks.

When Will the New Bridge Be Installed?

The installation of the new bridge is scheduled for another weekend in September. The second closure of the M62 will start at 9:00 PM on 20th September and will continue until 6:00 AM on 23rd September. During this time, the new bridge will be put in place. This planned closure aims to minimize the disruption to the daily commuters as much as possible.

How Are Drivers Affected?

Since the M62 is a major motorway that carries about 120,000 vehicles every day, the closure has caused significant traffic delays. Long queues of cars have been spotted as drivers try to find alternative routes. Many people rely on this motorway to travel across the region, and the sudden closure has forced them to change their plans.

Drivers have been urged to plan their journeys carefully, especially those traveling to and from the North East for Sunday’s Great North Run, a popular annual event that attracts thousands of participants and spectators. With the road closure in place, it is crucial for drivers to think ahead and choose other routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

What Are Officials Saying?

Gary Farrell, a senior network planner at National Highways, emphasized the importance of replacing the old bridge. He mentioned that the bridge is a crucial part of the railway network’s infrastructure, supporting essential routes like the Manchester Victoria to Leeds service. The decision to replace the bridge was made to ensure the long-term safety and efficiency of both road and rail traffic in the area.

Farrell also highlighted that this is one of the first planned weekend closures of the M62 in recent memory. The organization is aware of the inconvenience caused by such closures but insists that these actions are necessary for the improvement of the transport network. They are working closely with Network Rail to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible.

How Are People Reacting?

While some drivers have expressed frustration over the unexpected delays, many understand the need for the bridge replacement. One local resident commented, “It’s a bit of a hassle right now, but I guess it’s better to have a safe and sturdy bridge than to risk any accidents later on.” Others have echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that while the road closure is inconvenient, it is a necessary step for the greater good.

Meanwhile, businesses in the area are also adapting to the changes. Some have reported fewer customers over the weekend due to the traffic situation, while others are using the opportunity to offer special promotions to attract locals who might want to avoid traveling far.