M62 Ouse Bridge update - junction 37 access to open

An extra lane is expected to open to eastbound traffic travelling on the M62 Ouse Bridge tomorrow evening (Thursday 7 July) to ease congestion for thousands of drivers in East Yorkshire. 

In addition to lane one of the eastbound carriageway, the exit slip road of the M62 eastbound at junction 37 (Howden) is also set to reopen tomorrow. The target had been today (Wednesday), however there was a slight delay in setting bridge plates over the affected joint. 

The eastbound carriageway of the Ouse Bridge between junctions 36 (Goole) and 37 has been closed since mid-June to enable us and our delivery partners to progress vital repairs to a damaged bridge joint. The layout of the contraflow was also adjusted to allow two lanes of traffic to run in each direction on the westbound carriageway while the temporary repair took place. 

National Highways Programme Delivery Manager Phil Jepps said:  

“Having this additional lane open to traffic, and the exit slip road, has been extremely important to us. 

“While we had hoped to have the additional lane open this morning, it is vital we get this right first time and avoid any further issues with the plates once they have been put in place, minimising any risk of further disruption.” 

The bridging plates are expected to be in place today. This then provides time to allow the fixings to cure, which will enable the lane and slip road to reopen tomorrow evening. 

National Highways has been working closely with partners and suppliers to secure metal bridging plates to be put in place over the affected bridge joint as a safe temporary solution while long-term repairs are carried out. 

Phil added: 

“Our engineers are now working with our partners, on the motorway and behind the scenes, to have the long-term solution in place as soon as possible.” 

Drivers who wish to leave the M62 eastbound at junction 37 are advised to join lane one of the eastbound carriageway in good time, rather than entering the contraflow, otherwise they will have to continue to junction 38 and turn around to use the westbound exit at junction 37 instead. 

Drivers can keep up to date on developments on the Ouse Bridge by following the National Highways Yorkshire Facebook and Twitter feed @HighwaysYORKS.