M62 Castleton bridge replacement

Network Rail is replacing the existing bridge that takes trains over the M62, between junction 19 and 20 near Rochdale.

Start date April 2024

End date October 2024

Cost £27 million

Latest updates

21 June 2024
Preparation work to start

Network Rail is rebuilding a major railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton, near Rochdale.

Ahead of replacing the structure later this year, Network Rail is carrying out prep work, which started in June.

To safely undertake this, the following closures will be in place between junction 19 and 20 of the M62:
- Saturday 8 to Friday 21 June – westbound, 24-hour lane one closure
- Friday 5 to Monday 8 July – both directions, 24-hour lane four closure
- Saturday 13 July to Friday 6 September – both directions, 24-hour lane one closure
Please note, overnight westbound closures scheduled to take place from Monday 24 to Friday 28 June and Monday 1 to Friday 5 July will not be taking place as planned. Revised closure dates will be announced in due course.

In September, Network Rail will be demolishing the current structure and installing a new bridge. This work will involve two full weekend closures of the M62 between junction 19 and 20 from:
- 9pm Friday 6 to 6am Monday 9 September
- 9pm Friday 20 to 6am Monday 23 September
The essential work will ensure safe and reliable journeys for road users and train passengers for years to come.

See more updates

Project information

The M62 Castleton bridge is a major railway structure that carries trains over the motorway. The bridge is located south of Rochdale between junction 19 to 20 and is a vital passenger and freight link, providing transportation for 6% of the UK’s energy supply.

Network Rail is replacing the existing 42-metre long, 2,000 tonne bridge. The replacement of the structure will ensure an increased lifespan of over 120 years, maintaining safety and journey reliability in the long term.

We’re working with Network Rail to minimise disruption for road users and train passengers during this essential project.

To complete the work, engineers will dismantle the old bridge. The new bridge will then be installed with a significant part of it built off-site, reducing the number of road closures needed.

We know people rely on the M62 for business, leisure and visiting friends and family. The bridge replacement project will ensure road users and train passengers continue to experience safe and reliable journeys for many years to come.

The work will also reduce the number of reactive repairs on the bridge, meaning fewer unplanned road closures and less disruption in the long term.