Network Rail invests to rebuild a major railway bridge

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Network Rail is investing more than £20M to rebuild a major railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton, near Rochdale.

The 42m long, 2,000t bridge, known as Castleton bridge, carries 6% of the UK’s energy supply across the country as freight trains carry material to and from Drax power station in Selby.

The bridge plays a crucial role in the safe journeys of around 3,000 rail freight services a year, according to Network Rail.

To complete the work, engineers need to dismantle the old bridge and take it away on the M62. The new bridge materials will be delivered by road and built on site.

The railway will be closed 6-24 September between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale on two separate weekends so engineers can conduct the works.

The M62 will also be closed over two weekends between junction 18 and junction 20 on the evening of Friday, 6 to early morning on Monday, 9 September and from the evening of Friday, 20 September to early morning on Monday, 23 September.

Outside of the full road closure, the motorway will be reduced to three lanes. There will be nightly closures to support the work to the base of the bridge.

Network Rail sponsor Olivia Boland said: “The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway, and crucial to the country’s economy as 6% of the UK’s energy supply relies on the bridge for transportation.

“I’d like to thank passengers and motorists for their understanding while we carry out this work. Please, check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale in September 2024.”

National Highways regional director Amy Williams said: “The collaboration between Network Rail and National Highways highlights our commitment to minimising disruption for both rail and road users during this essential project.

“We appreciate the understanding of passengers and motorists during this work and urge them to check travel plans for September 2024.

National Highways is actively working with Network Rail to communicate the impact on road users and ensure a smooth process during this important upgrade, more information will be shared in the coming months.

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