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

25 September 2024

Thank you for your patience

We'd like to thank road users and the local community for their understanding following a series of M62 closures.

Over recent months, Network Rail has been working to replace a 42-metre-long railway bridge at Castleton near Rochdale.

This involved two full weekend closures of the M62 in September, as well as nightly closures for a fortnight in between.

During last weekend’s motorway closures, 100 people worked round-the-clock to install the new Castleton bridge. The newly installed structure will allow passenger and freight trains to travel safely into Rochdale for decades to come.

M62 reduced to three lanes in both directions from junction 19 to 20 - until Friday 18 October

Lane reductions will allow Network Rail to safely complete finishing works and return the site compound to its original state.

Reducing additional motorway closures

During the second weekend closure, we took the opportunity to perform essential maintenance on the M60 junction 18 (Simister Island) clockwise carriageway.

Doing the work at this time removes the need for more motorway closures, reducing further disruption for drivers in future.

Once again, a huge thank you to motorists and residents living near diversion routes for their cooperation while this safety-critical work was carried out.
18 September 2024
Congestion warning ahead of second M62 weekend closure

Motorists planning to use the motorway network around Rochdale, Oldham and north Manchester are being urged to check traffic conditions ahead of journeys this weekend.

Network Rail is installing a new railway bridge at Castleton near Rochdale and to do this safely a full weekend M62 closure will be in place from 9pm Friday 20 to 6am Monday 23 September.

Closure

The M62 will be closed between junction 18 (Simister Island) to 20 (Rochdale) eastbound and junction 20 to 19 (Heywood) westbound.

This is the second weekend closure of the M62 following the demolition of the old bridge that took place earlier this month.

We’re strongly advising road users to avoid the area if they can by using alternative routes. If you are unable to re-route, please check traffic conditions and allow additional time to complete your journey.

Diversions

Eastbound diversion

Eastbound drivers from the M60 or M66 will:
- follow the M60 from junction 18 (Simister Island) to junction 21
- at M60 junction 21, take the A663 northbound to join the A627 at junction 1
- take the A627 north, rejoining the M62 at junction 20
Westbound diversion

From M62 junction 20, Westbound drivers will:
- take the A627(M) Southbound
- at A627(M) Slattocks interchange, head west to the A664 Rochdale Road
- take the A664 Rochdale Road West toward Middleton
- at Middleton, take the A6046 Hollin Lane Northbound
- rejoin the M62 at junction 19
Map of eastbound and westbound diversion routes.

Nightly M62 closures between junction 19 and 20 in both directions continue until Friday 20 September.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

In addition, the railway is closed until the early morning on 25 September between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.

Rail replacement buses are in operation. Passengers are advised to check their travel in advance as journey times will be significantly longer than usual.
09 September 2024

Drivers thanked for their patience

Motorists are being thanked for their understanding after the M62 was closed over the weekend for a railway bridge demolition.

Network Rail is investing more than £22m to rebuild a 42-metre-long, 2,000 tonne bridge that takes trains over the motorway in Castleton, near Rochdale.

For the first time in recent memory, the M62 is being closed over two weekends.

This weekend, 120 people worked round-the-clock to demolish the existing bridge which takes trains between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.

Further motorway closures to take place

Road users are reminded that from Monday 9 until Friday 20 September, there will be overnight (9pm to 6am) closures of the M62 in both directions between junction 19 (Heywood) and 20 (Rochdale).

The nightly closures will allow Network Rail to safely carry out preparations ahead of the new bridge being installed later this month.

If you are travelling at these times, please plan ahead and allow more time to complete your journey.

Second full weekend closure

To safely install the new bridge over the motorway, a second full weekend closure will also be taking place from 9pm Friday 20 September to 6am Monday 23 September.

As with this weekend, the M62 will be closed from junction 18 (Simister Island) to 20 (Rochdale) eastbound and junction 20 to 19 (Heywood) westbound.

In addition, the railway is closed until the early morning on 25 September between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.

Rail replacement buses are in operation. Passengers are advised to check their travel in advance as journey times will be significantly longer than usual.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
02 August 2024

Gearing up to replace Castleton bridge

Two 42-metre, 70 tonne steel beams have arrived on-site as part of Network Rail’s work to replace Castleton railway bridge.

The new beams arrived ahead of work that will see the first ever weekend closures of the M62 next month.

M62 weekend closures

Make sure you check before you travel next month. Rail and road closures will be needed to replace the bridge.

Network Rail’s work involves two full weekend closures of the motorway.

The M62 eastbound junction 18 to 20 and the M62 westbound junction 20 to 19 will be closed:

9pm Friday 6 to 6am Monday 9 September

9pm Friday 20 to 6am Monday 23 September

See a map of the M62 full weekend closure diversions.

Engineers will dismantle the old bridge in the first closure and install the new one in the second.

Lane reductions

The motorway will be reduced to three lanes in both directions until 18 October.

From Monday 9 September until Friday 20 September, there will be nightly closures of the M62 between junction 19 and 20 from 9pm to 6am.

Rail closures

The railway will be closed from 6 September until the early morning of 25 September between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.

Rail replacement buses will be in operation. Passengers are advised to check travel in advance as journey times will be significantly longer than usual.
19 July 2024

M62 weekend closures

Motorists are reminded that 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 motorway. The M62 eastbound junction 18 to 20 and the M62 westbound junction 20 to 19 will be closed at various dates through September.

Closures can change at short notice. Make sure you check the latest information on our daily closures page.

In addition, there will be nightly closures of the motorway in both directions between the two weekend closures.

The essential work will ensure safe and reliable journeys for road users and train passengers for years to come.
11 July 2024

Network Rail prepare for bridge demolition

Network Rail is making preparations to demolish Castleton Bridge.

So Network Rail can work safely, there will be lane and carriageway closure of the M62 bewteen junctions 19 and 20.

Closures will be at various times from 15 July to 6 September. Please remember that closures can change at short notice. For the latest information check our daily closures page.

What happens next

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 The M62 eastbound junction 18 to 20 and westbound junction 20 to 19.

There will be overnight closures of the motorway in both directions between the two weekend closures.

See the diversion routes we're using during these works.

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.

M62 westbound junction 20 to 19

M62 eastbound junction 19 to 20

M62 full weekend closure diversions