Superstructures to be installed over motorways (From Messenger Newspapers)

Superstructure to be installed over motorway in Trafford

10:00am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

TWO new superstructures will be installed over two of Greater Manchester's motorways next month.

As part of the expansion of the Metrolink tram network to Manchester Airport, two new bridges over the M60 - in Trafford - and M56 motorways will be manoeuvred into place over two weekends in November.

As a result there will be a full, overnight closure of the M60 between Junctions 5 and 8 from 10pm on Saturday 3 to 10pm on Sunday 4 November and a full, overnight closure of the M56 between Junctions 2 and 5 from 10pm on Saturday 24 to 10pm on Sunday 25 November.

Each closure will start to be introduced at 9pm, with lane closures in advance of each approaching junction, ahead of the motorway closing in full in each direction from 10pm.

Strategic diversions for long distance, through-traffic will use the rest of the motorway network and will be displayed on the roadside variable message signs.

Shorter diversions for local traffic will also be in place on the local road network.

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.