M62 barrier works 'all but finished'

A safety upgrade on the M62 in West Yorkshire is heading into its final phase with lighting and footbridge improvements completing the scheme.

National Highways said it has almost completed the main part of the scheme on the M62 between junctions 28 and 29 – installation of a concrete central barrier – and that the scheme is expected to finish in August, ahead of autumn as initially expected.

The scheme has seen the waterproofing of the central reserve of two structures, alongside improvements to around three miles of drainage and general maintenance.

Scaffolding and encapsulation of the footbridge were due to begin on Monday (17 July), to allow the deck to be lifted from its bearings.

Project manager Daniel Edwards said: ‘We appreciate this scheme has already caused delays on the road for many drivers since we began this work in January, and we have done everything we can to minimise delays.

‘We are pleased to say the barrier is now all but finished and we now just need to install the improved lighting.

‘At the same time, we’re also going to carry out remedial work to the Dolphin Lane footbridge near Thorpe on the Hill. This will mean we can carry out two sets of work under one section of traffic management without having to put any further temporary barriers, cones or closures in place – minimising disruption to the public.’

There will be five overnight closures between 17 and 21 July between junctions 28 and 29 to allow National Highways to put up the scaffolding.

National Highways announced in May that it had a proposed upgrade to concrete central barrier on a different stretch of the M62 shortly before work was due to start amidst rising concerns over cost.