M62 lane closures on Oldham bridge for repair works

Drivers between Oldham and Rochdale face overnight lane closures on the M62 next week as National Highways carries out essential repairs to Broad Lane bridge. The work, which starts Tuesday April 7 and runs until Sunday April 12, will see lane three of three closed in both directions while the hard shoulder remains open, meaning three lanes will stay available each way. A 50mph speed limit and narrow lanes will be enforced throughout the works, which mainly take place between 8pm and 5am.

The repairs include concrete work on the bridge's central support, replacing sections of the central reservation safety barrier, resurfacing both carriageways, and refreshing road markings. National Highways says the work is essential to maintain the bridge's safety and longevity. Signed diversions will be in place for any full carriageway closures, and the agency says it will try to minimise noise for nearby residents during the overnight works.

The bridge carries the B6194 over the M62 between junctions 20 and 21 near Oldham, a key route for commuters and freight traffic. While the hard shoulder will remain open to maintain capacity, drivers should expect slower journey times due to the reduced speed limit and narrower lanes. The overnight timing aims to minimise disruption during peak travel hours, though some noise may affect nearby homes in Saddleworth and surrounding areas.