Drivers issued major motorway warning as another Manchester stretch to close for weekend bridge works

The M67 will be closed this weekend with bridge demolition works set to go ahead.

This is part of the final phase of works at St Anne’s Road bridge – which require two full weekend closures. Work to demolish the eastern side of the bridge was completed in August 2023, according to National Highways.

The government body believes this reconstruction work of the bridge will improve safety and extend the lifespan of the bridge.

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The closures are expected to cause disruption for motorists travelling between Manchester and Sheffield and road users have been thanked for their patience and cooperation during this time. Since the eastern side completion, all necessary cabling has been diverted through two newly installed steel beams which ensure essential services remain on during the final demolition phases.

The demolition works will take place in October and November and include removing the bridge deck, followed by the top section of supportive structures at either side of the bridge. For the safety of road users and our workforce, we will be closing the M67 between junction 1a at Denton and junction 3 at Hyde.

The closures will last from 9pm on Friday, October 4 until Monday, October 7 at 5am. Another closure will take place later this autumn between the same times on Friday, November 8 and Monday, November 11.

Road users travelling between Manchester (M60) and the A57 Snake Pass, A628 and the east of England should follow signed diversion routes between Mottram in Longdendale and Denton Island, junction 24 of the M60. Local traffic in Hyde and Denton should follow the signed diversion on the A57 Hyde Road / Manchester Road.

A statement on the National Highways website reads: “The existing bridge which carries St Anne’s Road over the M67 motorway requires extensive structural repairs due to its age and its outdated style of construction.

“Not taking action to repair the bridge risks the safety of road users in the future.

“We believe the best solution is to replace the bridge completely. This is quicker, safer, and more practical than repairing it.

“Replacing the bridge will mean short-term disruption to residents but it will bring long-term benefits to the area and ensure the safety of road users for decades to come.”