M62 closures

M62 Showdown: Weekend Warriors Prepare for Road Closure Chaos!

Heads up, road trippers! The M62 is set to close this weekend. Here’s everything you need to dodge those diversions like a pro!

This weekend, the M62 motorway near Rochdale is bracing for some serious disruption as it gears up for two full closures. Network Rail is undertaking a staggering £22 million bridge replacement project at Castleton, and that means motorists are in for a wild ride (or lack thereof!). Drivers planning to traverse the route between Manchester and Leeds should prepare for chaos, as this key link is essential for about 120,000 vehicles every day. Safety first! So, whether you're heading to a weekend getaway or just popping out for some brunch, better check your route ahead of time!

The closures will kick off tonight at 9 pm and stretch until 6 am Monday morning, which means your Saturday driving plans might need a little creative navigation. As diversions are put in place, expect to see a steady stream of cars searching for alternate routes while cursing that pesky traffic app that insisted they avoid all the fuss. Local authorities have recommended that drivers plan their journeys ahead of time—after all, nobody enjoys being stuck in an unexpected traffic jam. Extra snacks and a good playlist might do the trick to help pass the time!

For those brave souls who dare to face the road this weekend, there will be diversion maps available, ensuring you provide your GPS with some much-needed TLC along the way. Remember, it’s just a bit of bridge work bringing the M62 to a halt, so be sure to mark your calendars, set those alarms, and prepare to share tales of your epic detour with friends—who knows, it might just become the talk of Monday morning!

And in a surprising twist, did you know the construction of Castleton Bridge took place in the late '60s? Talk about a nostalgia trip! On top of that, the M62 itself holds the title as the longest motorway in the UK, stretching an impressive 107 miles (173 km) from Liverpool to Hull! So, if you're among the intrepid travellers this weekend, think of it as a mini adventure—you might just discover the hidden gems of roadside cafes and stunning landscapes that you never knew existed!