Drivers have been warned to expect delays this weekend as a major motorway shuts to allow crucial bridge work to get underway.
The M62 motorway which links Liverpool and Hull, is set to close this weekend for essential bridge replacement work.
The closure is to allow Network Rail to complete the replacement of Castleton bridge, a critical 60-year-old railway structure.
The closure will take place from 9pm on Friday September 20, until 6am on Monday September 23.
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Drivers urged to find alternative travel routes this weekendGETTYThis marks the second weekend closure for the project, following a similar shutdown earlier this month.
The motorway, which typically carries around 120,000 vehicles daily, will be completely closed between junction 19 and junction 20 near Rochdale.
To prevent massive delays to journeys, National Highways has urged drivers to plan ahead and expect significant congestion.
Gary Farrell, National Highways' senior network planner, said: "This weekend, queues are likely again along the M60, M62 and diversion routes, especially during the day and we strongly urge people planning to travel to delay their journeys or use alternative routes well away from this part of the motorway network.”
Drivers are also advised to check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys. National Highways recommended delaying trips, seeking alternative routes, or at minimum, checking for congestion before departure.
The closure affects specific sections of the motorway including eastbound routes with the M62 closed from junction 18 at Simister Island interchange to junction 20 at Rochdale.
Westbound, however, the closure extends between junction 20 and junction 19 at Heywood.
To help avoid congestion, eastbound traffic from the M66 or clockwise M60 should exit at junction 21 of the M60 at Chadderton, then follow the northbound A663 (Broadway) and A627M to rejoin the M62 at junction 20.
Westbound drivers will be diverted off the M62 at junction 20 onto the southbound A627(M), then westbound A664 and northbound A6046 to rejoin at junction 19.
The agency states that staff at regional operations centres will be sending advance and real-time messages on electronic signs across the motorway network to warn drivers throughout the weekend.
Farrell added: "Even a quick glance at the map on your mobile phone before leaving the house will tell you how far back the queues are."
Drivers are also reminded that the M62 is the only trans-Pennine motorway connecting major cities like Manchester and Leeds.
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M62 will also be closed from Friday September 20 until Monday September 23
GETTYThe motorway route carries daily traffic of 120,000 vehicles with the closure's impact is expected to be substantial.
This second weekend closure is taking place after Network Rail removed the old bridge during a weekend closure of the M62 at the beginning of the month.
Some overnight lane closures along the M62 may be required after Monday to help Network Rail complete the project, the agency warned.
