Castleton South Junction Renewal and M62 bridge replacement

[billio]

Are post-stressed concrete structures difficult to demolish? There is a certain level of danger when the stress is relieved.
That should be 'post-tensioned'.

 

[swt_passenger]

Are post-stressed concrete structures difficult to demolish? There is a certain level of danger when the stress is relieved.
That should be 'post-tensioned'.

They seem to have little problem destroying life expired concrete bridges over motorways using hydraulic nibblers and letting everything fall to the temporarily protected carriageway. I’d assume though that they must have a safe way of removing the tension?

 

[Plethora]

Actually, double checking, its a 17 day block. 6th September to 24th September.

Thank you for the information.

 

[splashoutradio]

Presumably it was built by the Motorway contractors to a spec from BR If it turns out that the contractors cut corners by, eg, using substandard concrete, then the rebuilding cost should come out of the Highways England budget. If it was built to spec, but that was inadequate, then NR will need to pay.

It’s also confirmed in the planning application letter that NR were paid a lump sum to take over future maintenance responsibility: “Whilst the original agreement included split maintenance of the structure, Network Rail took a commuted sum in the 1970's for future maintenance, and therefore responsibility for the structure sits entirely with Network Rail…”

Interestingly, asset data from as recent as 2022 suggests the Highwas Agency have a financial responsibility for the structure. It's not beyond the realms of possibility for this to be incorrect though.

https://www.railwaydata.co.uk/bridges/overview/?ELR=Mvn2&RID=48a

 

[Mcr Warrior]

I have now noticed there is a 20mph speed restriction over it.

Wonder whether this is causing a few delay minutes. Quite a few Yorkshire bound trains today leaving Manchester Victoria right time (more or less) but are then a few minutes down by the time they reach Rochdale.

 

[The Planner]

Wonder whether this is causing a few delay minutes. Quite a few Yorkshire bound trains today leaving Manchester Victoria right time (more or less) but are then a few minutes down by the time they reach Rochdale.

Loads of minutes, as well as only being able to have one train on the bridge at a time.

 

[Plethora]

Wonder whether this is causing a few delay minutes. Quite a few Yorkshire bound trains today leaving Manchester Victoria right time (more or less) but are then a few minutes down by the time they reach Rochdale.

There is time built in at Victoria to make up time, but as you say no such luck in the Yorkshire direction.

 

[willbaforceday]

Is there any plans to reinstate the connection with the East Lancs Railway at the motorway end by the bridge?

 

[snowball]

There's now a Network Rail press release:

Network Rail to rebuild multi-million-pound bridge across M62 in Rochdale

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

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

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

Passengers and motorists are urged to check before they travel in September 2024 as rail and road closures are required to replace the 42m long, 2000 tonne bridge.

The work will ensure safe and reliable journeys for passengers and freight over this vital structure for years to come.

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 M62 will be closed over two weekends between J18 and J20:

The evening of Friday 6 – early morning Monday 9 September
The evening of Friday 20 – early morning 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.

The railway will be closed 6-24 September between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale. Rail replacement buses will be in operation for passengers.

The 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.

 

[snowball]

Another press release

M62 motorists advised of motorway night and lane closures ahead of £20m railway bridge rebuild

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

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

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

The dates for the lane closures are:

From Saturday 8 – Friday 21 June there will be an inside lane closure on the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20.
From Monday 24 – Friday 28 June and Monday 1 – Friday 5 July, there will be full closures on the westbound carriageway on nights between 9pm and 5am.
From Friday 5 – Monday 8 July the outside lane will closed on both carriageways.
From Saturday 13 July – Friday 6 September the inside lane will be closed on both carriageways.

During the nighttime closures of the westbound carriageway, clearly-signed diversions will be in place.

The work will ensure safe and reliable journeys for passengers and freight over this vital structure for years to come.

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 M62 will be closed over two weekends between J18 and J20:

The evening of Friday 6 – early morning Monday 9 September.
The evening of Friday 20 – early morning Monday 23 September.

The railway will be closed 6-24 September between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale. Passengers are advised to check before they travel during these dates.

The 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.

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, 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. I’m sorry for any inconvenience caused by the temporary lane closures as we prepare for this important project. Please, check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale in September 2024.”.

Network Rail are working with National Highways to help road users understand what the work means for them.

Steve Mason, north-west programme delivery manager at National Highways, 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.”

The bridge plays a crucial role in the safe journeys of around 3000 rail freight services a year.

David Hunter, Network Rail’s senior freight manager, said: “Castleton bridge is an essential part of the country’s freight network and is on a key freight route across the Pennines which links the west and east sides of the country.

“Heavy freight trains, which deliver aggregate products so the construction sector can keep building roads and houses, run over the bridge as well as several daily biomass services to Drax power station, which provide power to the national grid for electricity.”

For updates on the work, motorists can visit www.nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/north-west/m62-castleton-bridge-replacement/.

 

[Snow1964]

The main bridge beams have arrived from Ireland.

Network rail has issued an article, and drone video

Built a temporary assembly site, I am guessing some of those transporters with hundreds of wheels will then move it.

Network Rail reveals drone footage of 42 metre beam delivery ahead of multi-million-pound bridge rebuild over the M62.

The "VIBs" (very important beams) were delivered ahead of work that sees the first ever weekend closure of the M62.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

 

[Meerkat]

The main bridge beams have arrived from Ireland.

Network rail has issued an article, and drone video

Built a temporary assembly site, I am guessing some of those transporters with hundreds of wheels will then move it.

Network Rail reveals drone footage of 42 metre beam delivery ahead of multi-million-pound bridge rebuild over the M62.

The "VIBs" (very important beams) were delivered ahead of work that sees the first ever weekend closure of the M62.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Is it silly to be a bit annoyed that a Network Rail press release details the motorway closures needed before mentioning the railway closures?

Good example for answering 'why does everything cost so much?' - convoying that from Holyhead is non-trivial, and how much did it cost to build that huge fully tarmaced compound out of the hillside (and I assume they will have to put the hill back after...).

 

[The Planner]

Is it silly to be a bit annoyed that a Network Rail press release details the motorway closures needed before mentioning the railway closures?

Good example for answering 'why does everything cost so much?' - convoying that from Holyhead is non-trivial, and how much did it cost to build that huge fully tarmaced compound out of the hillside (and I assume they will have to put the hill back after...).

The motorway closures likely drove the railway one.

 

[zwk500]

Good example for answering 'why does everything cost so much?' - convoying that from Holyhead is non-trivial, and how much did it cost to build that huge fully tarmaced compound out of the hillside (and I assume they will have to put the hill back after...).

What would have been a cheaper option?

 

[Meerkat]

What would have been a cheaper option?

I wasn't saying there was a cheaper one. Just that its an example of where the money goes when building anything/everything seems implausibly expensive.
I would assume they considered things like building the girders/beams in the yard just up the line and then launching them along the line, but massive road movers exist and rail ones would need building........

 

[zwk500]

I wasn't saying there was a cheaper one. Just that its an example of where the money goes when building anything/everything seems implausibly expensive.

Fair point!

 

[snowball]

Another press release. It includes the same video as in #71.

Passengers and motorists reminded of major rail and M62 motorway closures in September

Passengers and motorists are urged to check before they travel this September as Network Rail carries out a multi-million-pound bridge replacement.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Passengers and motorists are urged to check before they travel this September as Network Rail carries out a multi-million-pound bridge replacement.

Network Rail is investing more than £22m to rebuild a 42-metre-long, 2000 tonne railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton, near Rochdale.

For the first time in living memory, the M62 will be closed over two weekends.

The closures are on the eastbound carriageway between J18 and J20 and the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20:

9pm Friday 6 – 6am Monday 9 September
9pm Friday 20 – 6am Monday 23 September

Motorists are advised to avoid this section of the M62 during the two weekends by delaying journeys or planning alternative routes.

From Monday 9 September until Friday 20 September, there will be nightly closures of the M62 between J19 and J20 from 9pm to 6am.

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 their travel in advance as journey times will be significantly longer than usual.

The 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.

...

Last month, two 42 metre, 70 tonne steel beams were delivered to the work site during an overnight closure of the M62.

Drone footage shows the special delivery on the deserted westbound carriageway. The beams were manufactured in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland, before making the voyage over the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales.

The beams travelled over 200 miles by land and sea, convoyed safely with a police escort to the M62 site where the bridge will be built in situ ahead of its installation.

Since then, engineers have been working to prepare the bridge for its installation in September. So far, the team have started to assemble the bridge, install the walkway, prepared the abutments (bridge supports) and carried out some waterproofing.

During the road closure, engineers will dismantle the old bridge and take it away on the M62. The new bridge will then be installed during the second weekend.

 

[DynamicSpirit]

There's now a Network Rail press release:

Network Rail to rebuild multi-million-pound bridge across M62 in Rochdale

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

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

I can't help thinking, isn't that a perfect example of how not to write a press release: It basically tells you that NR are spending loads of money to do something that will disrupt lots of people's journeys, but gives no idea why they are doing it. Of course, anyone who's read this thread will understand why the bridge urgently needs to replaced, but the press release just vagues up the reasons to the point of being almost meaningless: "The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway..." That's basically just marketing speak that carries no useful information at all, and leaves you with the impression, Are they just replacing the bridge for the fun of it, or what?

Unfortunately that seems to be quite typical of Network Rail press releases. Really doesn't help public perception or understanding of why things need to be done.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I despair. Good meaningful communication goes a long way with the public. No need to go over the top the other way either.

 

[MarkyT]

I can't help thinking, isn't that a perfect example of how not to write a press release: It basically tells you that NR are spending loads of money to do something that will disrupt lots of people's journeys, but gives no idea why they are doing it. Of course, anyone who's read this thread will understand why the bridge urgently needs to replaced, but the press release just vagues up the reasons to the point of being almost meaningless: "The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway..." That's basically just marketing speak that carries no useful information at all, and leaves you with the impression, Are they just replacing the bridge for the fun of it, or what?

I'd guess it's boiler plate for a head office release of that nature unless someone from the local area or project volunteers more detailed information that is or can be made engaging. That'd be fine for a low impact minor structure renewal, but for such a major, visible job affecting a major regional motorway though, perhaps someone from PR could have chased that up...

Unfortunately that seems to be quite typical of Network Rail press releases. Really doesn't help public perception or understanding of why things need to be done.

Maybe they're overworked, understaffed, etc.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

I can't help thinking, isn't that a perfect example of how not to write a press release: It basically tells you that NR are spending loads of money to do something that will disrupt lots of people's journeys, but gives no idea why they are doing it. Of course, anyone who's read this thread will understand why the bridge urgently needs to replaced, but the press release just vagues up the reasons to the point of being almost meaningless: "The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway..." That's basically just marketing speak that carries no useful information at all, and leaves you with the impression, Are they just replacing the bridge for the fun of it, or what?

Unfortunately that seems to be quite typical of Network Rail press releases. Really doesn't help public perception or understanding of why things need to be done.

I guess the work is also necessary for the safe use of the M62 too! Wouldn't want a biomass hopper dropping through the sun roof!

 

[snowball]

The following post on SABRE by BossHogg has a photo of the demolition in progress and another of the demolition substantially complete:

M62 bridge to be replaced in September - Page 4 - SABRE

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

The railway bridge being demolished was built in 1969 I believe when the M62 was under construction at that point, so it has lasted 55 years.
The Manchester & Leeds Railway opened through the area in 1839, and most of its (mostly stone) structures are still going strong after 185 years.
Was the 1969 bridge design deficient in any way?
Was it a BR design or part of the wider M62 construction project?
There are a number of similar rail-over-motorway bridges in the area, including two on the Chat Moss route west of Patricroft (over M60/M62).

 

[D6130]

The Manchester & Leeds Railway opened through the area in 1839, and most of its (mostly stone) structures are still going strong after 185 years.

Not for much longer, judging by the amount of Buddleia and other trees and bushes growing out of the mortar on many of those structures in the Calder Valley. George Stephenson - who engineered the route - would be spinning in his grave if he could see the appalling lack of maintenance today.

Was the 1969 bridge design deficient in any way?
Was it a BR design or part of the wider M62 construction project?

I strongly suspect that advanced terminal concrete cancer has been diagnosed....not helped by the fact that the bridge was of a special - somewhat unbalanced design - with the points and diamond crossing if Castleton South Junction about a quarter of the way across it. The hammer blow of trains - especially heavy freights - crossing that diamond at speed can't have done the bridge structure any good in later years.

 

[snowball]

A lot of bridges of that period have been replaced, including a fair number because of their condition rather than e.g. road widening, but it was a period when a vast number of new bridges were being built, most of which are still in use.

There's a press release this morning:

Network Rail thanks motorists as M62 reopens after weekend closure

Drivers are being thanked for their patience and understanding this morning after the motorway was closed over the weekend for a railway bridge demolition.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Drivers are being thanked for their patience and understanding this morning after the motorway was closed over the weekend for a railway bridge demolition.

Network Rail is investing more than £22m to rebuild a 42-metre-long, 2000 tonne railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton, near Rochdale.

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

This weekend, the road was closed on the eastbound carriageway between J18 and J20 and the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20.

120 people worked around the clock to demolish the existing Castleton bridge, which takes trains between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.

Once the motorway was closed, the team installed a deck to protect the road from damage, positioned the demolition equipment, and then methodically dismantled the old bridge beam by beam.

To do this, workers used 11 excavators to pull the bridge apart with their 14 tonne hydraulic hammers and jaws.

Drone photographs show the demolition excavators carefully removing the bridge on the deserted motorway.

The road reopened this morning (9 September) at 4:55.

William Brandon, Network Rail project manager said: “I’d like to thank passengers and drivers for their patience as we rebuild Castleton bridge.

“It is essential that we replace this ageing bridge for the safety of rail and road users, but I am sorry for the significant disruption the work will cause.”

Until Friday 20 September, there will be nightly closures of the M62 between J19 and J20 from 9pm to 6am to allow engineers to continue work to the abutments (bridge supports).

Drivers are being reminded that from 9pm Friday 20 – 6am Monday 23 September, the M62 will be closed for another weekend between J18 and J20 and the westbound carriageway between J19 and J20.

The railway between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale will remain closed until early morning of Wednesday 25 September. Rail replacement buses are in operation. Passengers are advised to check their travel in advance as journey times will be significantly longer than usual.

 

[Ploughman]

Reminder that the M62 is shut again this weekend

 

[td97]

Due for reopening on Wednesday.
The service from Manchester Victoria has not been smooth running these past few weeks, with frequent late running (5 minute turnout for the Clitheroe trains is insufficient), and confusion about A & B ends of the platforms where terminating trains have been double stacked.
The confusion has prevailed even amongst drivers, with trains terminated in the centre of a platform, meaning the following service has been waiting outside the station at Deal St Jn and unable to proceed to the A side, compounded by no available driver (and/or guard, when passengers have boarded) in the station to shift the stabled unit fully to the B side.

 

[swt_passenger]

I found a drone video of the recent work, it’s interesting because at about the 1 minute point it shows the replacement junction being built up, with a huge number of lifting machines, (the yellow PEM/LEM things), in place ready to walk it down to the bridge when ready:

 

[Geeves]

Due for reopening on Wednesday.
The service from Manchester Victoria has not been smooth running these past few weeks, with frequent late running (5 minute turnout for the Clitheroe trains is insufficient), and confusion about A & B ends of the platforms where terminating trains have been double stacked.
The confusion has prevailed even amongst drivers, with trains terminated in the centre of a platform, meaning the following service has been waiting outside the station at Deal St Jn and unable to proceed to the A side, compounded by no available driver (and/or guard, when passengers have boarded) in the station to shift the stabled unit fully to the B side.

We were keeping on top of it as best we could on my shifts, there was no simplifier to work off and for unknown reasons the boffins at Milton Keynes had different platforms for stacking at different hours, plus some times the Chester had no home in the turnback because TPE were in there. Not the best. The Wigan trains being 195s didn't help as no believed it was their train despite my announcements! Haha. Too fancy!

 

[zwk500]

I found a drone video of the recent work, it’s interesting because at about the 1 minute point it shows the replacement junction being built up, with a huge number of lifting machines, (the yellow PEM/LEM things), in place ready to walk it down to the bridge when ready:

I notice they're putting the junction back in 'as was' rather than taking the opportunity to replace the diamond with a crossover and standard turnout. I guess the signalling changes would be too much for the 'box to handle so it'll need to wait until a wider project comes around...
At least now Steam to/from the East Lancs will be able to do the 3-point turns away from Manchester again.