DRIVERS have been warned that a crucial motorway will be shut for two weeks next month as part of a £1 million project.
The M60 motorway will be completely closed in both directions for 13 consecutive nights from Monday, 17 February, through to Sunday, 2 March, although the closure will only take place overnight, between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am.
The M60 motorway, which, along with the M62, is used by some 180,000 drivers each day[/caption]
But it is due to close for a two-week period next month to complete work on the Stockport viaduct[/caption]
So far, 23 of the 26 arches have been worked on, with only the three that pass over the motorway remaining[/caption]
The move comes as the Victorian-era viaduct that rises over the M60 in Stockport is to be restored by workers.
The 185-year-old structure, which is Grade II listed, has been worked on by Network Rail since last year and has so far seen workers remove vegetation and graffiti from the structure, as well as repair numerous bricks on 23 of its 26 arches.
However, with the M60 motorway passing underneath the remaining arches, this means the motorway will need to be closed for the work to be completed.
This includes workers being suspended from the viaduct above the carriageways.
Motorists looking to use the motorway have been advised to follow the diversion signs during the closure period, which will impact between Junction 27 and Junction 1.
Rob Stephens, principal route engineer for the North West route, said: “Stockport Viaduct is an important piece of cultural heritage for the railway and the Stockport community. We are proud to be responsible for its upkeep.
“The final stage of the project will take place this February, as we want to make sure the night-time road closure causes as little inconvenience as possible for the people of Stockport.
“The recent work means the overall appearance of the viaduct is much improved, but it also reduces the risk of damage caused by overgrown vegetation and graffiti.
“Managing plant growth on viaducts such as this is important in maintaining train performance as trees and shrubs can obscure signals and interfere with the overhead lines that power trains.”
Currently, the viaduct, which is 34 metres tall and 550 metres wide, carries 398 trains over it each day.
The M60 motorway, also known as the Manchester Ring Motorway or Manchester Outer Ring Road, passes through all of Greater Manchester’s metropolitan boroughs except for Wigan and Bolton.
According to Highways England, some 180,000 drivers use the M60, as well as the M62, each day.
The two motorways are known for sharing a section of their route around Manchester, with the M62 merging into the M60 at Junction 18, also known as Simister Island Interchange.
This comes as drivers who plan to use three major motorways have been issued a urgent alert ahead of Storm Eowyn.
The Met Office has issued amber warnings for “danger to life” as 90mph gales look set to batter the UK in the coming days – with the worst of the weather predicted for Friday.
Residents across the country are being cautioned over “very strong winds” which could spell potential disruption to road, rail, airports and ferry services.
London, Oxford, Peterborough, and Norwich just managed to avoid a weather warning, but the rest of the UK has been told to prepare for turbulent conditions.
This includes a yellow alert for fog has now come into force that covers major roads including the M6, M65 and M61 – with forecasters warning fog patches “may cause some travel disruption”.
