Brits driving to major airport this weekend ‘advised to avoid’ motorway used by 150k daily due to ‘planned closures’
HOLIDAYMAKERS driving to a major UK airport this weekend have been “advised to avoid” a busy motorway amid “planned closures”.
Motorists are encouraged to leave extra time for journeys and plan alternative routes as a £22 million infrastructure project enters its second stage.
The M62, a vital route connecting the North East with the North West, saw its first-ever daytime closure just a couple of weeks ago.
This was part of a joint project between National Highways and Network Rail to remove an old railway bridge in Castleton, Greater Manchester.
Now the bridge has been demolished, the road is set to close again across the entire weekend to allow a new bridge to be installed.
Amid the shutdowns, Manchester Airport has issued warning to passengers looking to jet off this weekend.
Writing on X, airport bosses suggested using “alternative routes” to get to the terminal and leaving earlier to avoid missing flights.
And in a similar statement, major airline Jet2 urged drivers to “avoid” the affected sections of the road.
The firm added: “Please allow enough time to travel to your departure airport as all Jet2.com flights are still due to operate as scheduled.”
Under the plan, the M62 will be closed eastbound from J18 to J20 and westbound from J19 to J20.
There will also be no trains running on the line, which connects Manchester Victoria to Rochdale.
Rail replacement bus services will be in operation instead.
The closure is set to last from 9pm on September 20 to 6am on September 23.
However, even once it opens up again, the route will be limited to two lanes only until mid-October.
Network Rail sponsor Olivia Bolan, said: “The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway, and crucial to the country’s economy as six per cent 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.
“It is a unique project that sees weekend closures of the M62 for the first time.
“Please, check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale from 6-25 September 2024.”
Steve Mason, Nationals Highways’ North West programme delivery manager, added: “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.”