By M62 Bridge repairs extended after new damage found
Work on the M62 is facing more delays after further problems were found, making drivers frustrated for longer than anticipated.
Two lanes of the eastbound carriageway of the Ouse Bridge, near Goole, were closed in April after damage to a bridge joint was discovered.
Now, the third lane has now also been closed after another joint was found to have deteriorated, meaning extra work is needed.
National Highways said eastbound drivers must use a contraflow lane.
Increased traffic using the third lane of the eastbound carriageway during the recent repairs had caused concrete under a bridge joint to deteriorate.
The whole of the eastbound carriageway of the M62 has now been closed for about three miles in the Ouse Bridge area between junction 36 and junction 37 at Howden.
Drivers travelling east who wanted to leave the motorway at junction 37 would be diverted via junction 38 at North Cave, National Highways said.
Motorists have been told to expect delays and have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
It was not clear when all lanes of the eastbound carriageway would be fully reopened, a National Highways spokesperson said.
Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy has regularly shared updates on the bridge across his social media, advocating for frustrated motorists.
In his latest update he said: “This morning I had an urgent update call with National Highways and expressed to them the awful impact these closures are having and how angry residents are. In their defence, they of course have to put safety first and cannot keep open lanes which are unsafe.
“Here is what I was told this morning: The inspection or the concrete I mentioned in an earlier update commenced on Monday and identified further damage to the concrete and the joint.
“That is the same joint which caused the initial closures and is the joint which covers the whole of the east bound carriageway. Following that further inspection it is deemed unsafe to allow traffic to use the eastbound carriageway at all at this time.
“The solution to this is that a special plate will have to be installed to bridge the joint and allow one of the lanes eastbound to reopen. This requires a concrete bed to be produced and works which will take 2-3 weeks (again subject to site conditions).
Mr Percy asked National Highways if the westbound hard shoulder could be used to return two lanes each way on the westbound carriageway which they are now looking into.
He added: “I know we all like to blame someone for everything these days, but I have to look at this fairly. The reality is that these joints date to the original construction of the bridge in the 70s and were due for full replacement in 2024/25. Sadly, this one has worn out a couple of years earlier.
“Due to the rivers that surround Goole, we don’t have alternative routes, so the impact on traffic is greater. My job is to continue to hold feet to the fire and push all the bodies involved to keep residents updated and to complete the works at speed as quickly as poossible.”
(Image: National Highways)
