Delays likely as Rakewood gets makeover

Oldham motorists are being warned of narrow lanes and 50 mph restrictions on the M62 above Milnrow.

Work began on Wednesday (12) on a £2.6 million improvement scheme by the Highways Agency at Rakewood Viaduct.

Preparatory work for the improvements, which include replacement of the bridge joints, carriageway resurfacing and resurfacing of the westbound hard shoulder, comes before the main works begin on September 25.

New lighting and a replacement central safety barrier will also be fitted and work should be completed by the end of November.

The bridge is between Junctions 21 and 22 of the motorway, Milnrow and Saddleworth exits.

More than 100,000 vehicles use the route each day and the carriageway will have narrow lanes and lane closures, with a 50mph speed limit and speed cameras, at all times through the roadworks.

Some hard shoulder closures and overnight lane closures will be taking place before narrowed westbound lanes are introduced from September 1.

The fourth lane (corr) going towards Yorkshire will also be closed at the same time.

Work will be taking place around the clock but three lanes will remain open in both directions most of the time.

A width restriction of 4.5 metres will be in place for up to eight days in each direction with diversions.

Highways Agency Project Manager, Andrew Olive, said: “We will be working hard to publicise the traffic management arrangements and we have already advised the haulage industry of the limited restrictions we will be putting in.

“However, we have worked hard to keep lanes open and don’t anticipate more than slight delays with the exception of Friday evenings when the westbound carriageway is particularly busy.”