Motorway closures for Metrolink bridges
TRANSPORT for Greater Manchester is warning of major road closures next month as part of the Metrolink expansion to Manchester Airport.
The growth of the tram network requires two new bridges to be constructed over the M60 and the M56.
There will be a full, overnight closure of the M60 between Junctions 5 and 8 from 10pm on November 3 to 10pm on November 4, and an overnight closure of the M56 between Junctions 2 and 5 from 10pm on November 24 to 10pm on November 25.
Philip Purdy, TfGM’s Metrolink director, said: “We’ve worked very closely with the Highways Agency to plan for these closures. The dates have been agreed by all parties and avoid any major events, like Premier League football matches.
“These new ‘rail over road’ bridges mean a full closure of each motorway is essential but our contractor, MPT, has been able to limit the impact of each bridge lift to a single 24-hour window in each case by developing a very particular design.
“The lack of a ‘central pier’ on either bridge means we avoid the need for phased working – which would mean long-term temporary roadworks and long-term lane closures. Between now and the closures, we’ll be making sure we give residents, businesses and motorists advance notice of the work and give them the chance to plan and prepare accordingly.”
The bridge over the M60 is south of the existing Fairy Lane overbridge between junctions 5 and 6. The bridge over the M56 is next to the existing Hollyhedge Road overbridge between junctions 3 and 4.
