M62 Ouse Bridge

Latest updates

• 11 March 2024

  Planned overnight closures Monday 11 - Wednesday 13 March

  We will be closing the M62 Ouse Bridge - overnight between 8pm to 6am

  Westbound: Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 March 8pm to 6am both nights.

  The M62 will be be closed heading westbound between junction 37 and junction 36, with a local signed diversion via the A614.

  This also includes a closure of the eastbound contraflow lanes with all traffic using the dedicated J37 eastbound exit slip lane.

  On Wednesday 13 March 8pm to 6am.

  We will be closing the M62 eastbound between junction 36 to 37, with a signed diversion via the A614.

  This is to allow work to be carried out on the bridge joints that cannot be done with lane closures; as well as essential maintenance in the contraflow area.

  Please allow extra time for your journey.

  

• 27 February 2024

  M62 Ouse Bridge - February update

  Work on the bridge is progressing well and we have successfully completed the repairs to the bridge joint in the hard shoulder and lane 1.

  With this work competed we can now move to the next phase of work in lanes 2 and 3.

  Traffic will be moved over on the eastbound carriageway to use the hard shoulder and lane 1; allowing the workforce to start hydro demolition and concrete repairs of the bridge joints in lane 2 and 3.

  Capacity will be maintained with the one lane eastbound lane still running in lane 3 of the westbound carriageway.

  The remaining bridge joints on the eastbound side of the bridge will be complete in the mid-spring, when work will switch to the westbound carriageway.

  

   

  While these repairs take place, drivers are reminded to plan their journeys, allow extra time for travelling and check traffic conditions before setting off.

• 24 November 2023

  M62 Ouse Bridge - update November

  We have had a busy summer on site.

  We are continuing to use hydro demolition to remove damaged concrete and prepare for the new joints in the hard shoulder and lane 1. 

  We have already started to pour the new concrete section ready to install the new joints with these section looking to be complete early in the new year.

  As work has progressed we have been able to develop the programme and will be replacing all 8 joints on the bridge as part of this scheme. This will reduce the need to return to site in the near future to carry out further work. 

  The programme below gives an indication as to the work we are going to be carrying out between now and completion. Please be mindful that these dates may be subject to change should we encounter adverse weather or any unexpected delays. 

  • Eastbound hard shoulder and lane one work to be complete by mid-January 2024
  • Traffic moved to allow work on Lane 2 and 3 eastbound January 2024
  • Lane 2 and 3 eastbound to be complete by the end of February 2024
  • Traffic moved to allow work on Lane 3 east and westbound, end of February 2024
  • All work completed on the eastbound carriageway by mid-May 2024
  • Mid-May, work to switch to westbound carriageway and to be complete by end of Summer 2024

  We will provide regular updates as work progresses and when there are changes to the lane layout. 

  

   

• 20 September 2023

  M62 Ouse Bridge - update September

  We have had a busy summer on site.

  Upper Deck Drainage:

  • All drainage work on the eastbound carriageway is done, except for some new connections to the drainage system at specific points.

  Joints:

  • We're currently using a method called hydro demolition to remove damaged concrete and prepare for the new joints in the hard shoulder and lane 1. Most of the damaged concrete has been removed in these sections.
  • We're getting ready for a concrete pour to create new supports for the joints. This is scheduled for Friday, 29th September 2023, with a backup date of Friday, 6th October in case of bad weather.
  • We aim to complete the first phase of replacing half joints in the hard shoulder and lane 1 by 17th October 2023, depending on the weather.
  • After the half joints are done, we'll start work on the abutment joints on the eastbound carriageway.

  Proposed Traffic Management Phases:

  We need to close the dedicated eastbound lane on the eastbound carriageway during the concrete pour and while the concrete sets. This is to prevent vibrations from traffic affecting the concrete. The closure is planned from Thursday night, 28th September at 23:00hrs until Monday, 2nd October at 05:00hrs, with a backup date from Thursday, 5th October until Monday, 9th October.

  In addition to the above closure, we have some other closures planned starting from 25th September 2023:

  • Monday, 25th September from 8pm to 5am, both East and Westbound lanes of the M62 will be closed between Junction 36 and Junction 37 for work on the bridge and surveys.
  • Tuesday, 26th September to Friday, 29th September, from 20:00hrs to 05:00hrs, all eastbound traffic will be diverted for cable work, duct clearing, and CCTV surveys.
  • On Monday, 15th January 2024, we'll switch the current lane 3 on the eastbound carriageway to the hard shoulder to work on joints in lane 2 and 3. Contraflow lanes will remain the same.
  • On Wednesday, 28th February 2024, lanes 2 and 3 will be closed in both directions, and traffic will use two narrow lanes on the hard shoulder and part of lane 1 in both directions to construct joints across the central reserve and part of lane 3.

  Other Works:

  • We've used the closures to work on the navigation lights on the bridge.

   

  

• 19 June 2023

  M62 Ouse Bridge - update June 2023

  Work on site is progressing well 

  Compound area

  The compound area and offices are now complete and operational. We have also completed the scaffolding below the east and westbound joints.

  

  Bridge deck work

  More than 1250m of existing drainage covers have been replaced together with more than 600m of concrete repairs to the drainage channels.
  The new joints have now been delivered on site ahead of their installation.

  The current traffic management layout will remain in place until around early August when the hard shoulder and lane 1 joints on the eastbound carriageway will be complete. Although there may be a need for some additional overnight closures for changes to traffic management where the lanes cross over.

  From the end of August , the traffic management will still be in contraflow but lane 3 of the east bound carriageway will be switched to hard shoulder running whilst the joints are replaced in lanes 2 and 3.
  From the mid-October, traffic will temporarily be out of contraflow whilst the joints are replaced through the central reserve and into lane 3 and 2 of the westbound carriageway, with traffic running in two lanes in either direction. This phase is planned to be in place until mid-December.

  Following on from this traffic will be back in contraflow on the eastbound carriageway, except for one lane on the westbound carriageway from Junction 37. This layout will remain in place until all works are complete.
  Our designers have been busy working on the other joints of the bridge so that they can be replaced at the same time to reduce ongoing maintenance and overall project duration, which will minimise disruption in the longer term.

  Other Works

  We continue to inspect and monitor the bridge to maintain the safety of our customers and workers.
  The speed restrictions and traffic management layout continue to operate well with no disruption or delays being encountered.

  Further resurfacing work was also completed in early April with over 200m of repairs completed.

  Dates are subject to change as the project progresses and regular updates will be provided.

  We are on track to be complete by Spring 2024

• 28 March 2023

  M62 Ouse Bridge - Update March 2023

  We continue to prepare the bridge and compound in advance of the joint replacement. 

  

  The compound area and offices are now complete together with the storage area for materials and equipment.  

  Scaffolding erection starting Monday 20 March at the east end of the bridge, with the west end commencing 23 March with anticipated completion 11 April 2023. The scaffolding at the abutment ends of the bridge will then commence.

  A temporary barrier has been installed on Hook Lane to protect the western scaffold tower. 

  560 existing drainage covers on the carriageway have been removed with 500 new covers installed and concrete repairs were carried out. It is anticipated that all the eastbound drainage channels will be complete by the end of May 2023.

  

   

  

  Other works

  • We carried out further resurfacing, commencing 20 March overnight, to the eastbound hard shoulder area preparing for the next phase of traffic management once the joints are complete across the hard shoulder, lane 1 and part lane 2
  • We continue to monitor the condition of the joints and supporting concrete underneath the westbound carriageway to ensure that no further stress in these areas are being encountered as the lane is open.
  • The speed restrictions and traffic management layout continue to operate well with no disruption or major delays being encountered.
  • The joints for the whole bridge have been ordered and manufactured and will be with us in spring.

  Working in the community 

  • Together with our Principle Contractor WINVIC, we have been in contact with Hook Parish Council with regards to exploring opportunities whereby we can support the Parish Council on a number of local improvements, to benefit the community. Discussions are in the early stages and we hope to share more details soon. 

   

• 15 February 2023

  M62 Ouse Bridge - Update February 2023

  Our work underneath the bridge continues; excavating and preparing the foundations for the scaffold erection to the underside of each of the joints to be replaced, together with replacing and improving the drainage channels to the back of the hard shoulder on the east bound carriageway, integral to the performance of the new bridge joints.

  

  Up to the end of last week, our contractors had removed approximately 1,150ft of drain covers and the fitting of new covers, incorporating any associated concrete and waterproof repairs to the drainage channels, is underway. 

  The work associated with building the scaffold is complex as we must ensure the stability of the ground conditions, supporting the two 72ft high scaffold towers situated under the half joints of the bridge, with no risk of settlement before we can start to remove the existing joints.

  The foundations for the scaffold have been fully excavated and piezometers, to measure any settlement of the foundations, are also in place. We anticipate that the completion of the scaffold and the commencement of the works to replace the bridge joints to take place in April 2023. This will involve extensive concrete repairs and replacement to ‘house’ the new modular bridge joints design to respond to the expansion and contraction of the bridge.

  The establishment of the main compound is progressing and cabins are now in place. Once the work on Ouse Bridge is complete, the area will be returned to the landowner in its original state, so far as practically possible. 

  See the image carousel below for photographs of our progress. 

• 06 January 2023

  M62 Ouse Bridge - Update January 2023

  We would like to thank road users for their patience during November and December as we progressed overnight work on Ouse Bridge. We can confirm that the temporary plates which cover the faulty joint on the eastbound carriageway have now been exchanged; this will allow us to continue to keep the road open while we work to replace the joint.

  We have also completed other work including areas of surfacing and the installation of safety cameras which monitor and enforce the 30mph temporary speed limit on the bridge. The speed limit is in place to minimise vibration across the plates and for the safety of customers and our workforce as we are running two lanes of traffic in either direction using narrow lanes.

   

  

   

  

   

  What else has progressed?

  The River Ouse is a haven for wildlife; the area includes a number of Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) which we have an obligation to consider and protect from our activities; while enabling work has progressed on the bridge, we worked alongside Natural England to ensure that our future activities will not negatively impact on local wildlife and biodiversity along the river bank.

  Now these measures are in place we’ll be working under the bridge constructing the foundations for the scaffold, commencing on the 16 January 2023. Advance orders have also been placed for both the new joints and drainage covers.

  Have you sourced the new joints?

  Yes. We have spent some time working with specialists engineering suppliers in Europe to come up with a solution to replace the obsolete faulty joint and other joints on the bridge which are nearing the end of their working life. These joints have been designed and are currently being manufactured; they will be delivered to us before the end of March 2023.

  What’s next?

  From Monday 9 January we’re replacing damaged drainage covers across the whole of the bridge deck and working on drainage associated with the new joints. This work will take place overnight. We will continue to build the scaffold base ready to erect the scaffolding which we aim to have in place by the end of March, ready for the faulty joint replacement in April.

  We anticipate to finish the replacement of all eight joints by winter 2023. 

  

  

   

• 03 November 2022

  Safety cameras to be installed as work progresses on M62 Ouse Bridge

  For a recap of the the history of the Ouse Bridge joint failure and temporary repair, please click See more updates below and read Updated - Your questions and answers - Ouse Bridge 

  The complex replacement of bridge joints on the M62 Ouse Bridge is entering its next phase from Monday 7 November. 

  Work gets underway to install safety cameras, update and reposition signage and resurface some areas of the carriageway in advance of a plate exchange on the bridge. To do this safely, there will be a number of overnight closures.

  

  We’d like to thank road users for their patience as we progress work on the Ouse Bridge. We know the prolonged nature of the repair has been frustrating. We have been working on complex designs to permanently replace all eight joints across both carriageways following a joint failure on the eastbound carriageway earlier this year.

  We placed metal plates across the damaged joint in the summer, which was always a temporary measure designed to allow traffic back onto one lane of the eastbound carriageway.  These plates now need to be exchanged for a second set which will allow engineers to work on the permanent joint replacement while keeping one lane open on the eastbound carriageway.

  A 30mph speed limit has been in place since work began to keep drivers, vehicles and the workforce safe but as the next phase begins safety cameras will be introduced so speeds can be monitored more closely due to the proximity of work next to live lanes.

  The temporary reduction in speed limit is there for everyone’s safety – those driving on the bridge as well as those repairing it. Working next to live lanes comes with a number of hazards as does driving next to roadworks. The addition of safety cameras will ensure we keep everyone as safe as possible, and we urge road users to adhere to the limit so everyone gets home safe and well.

  Over the coming weeks the following overnight traffic management will be in place from 8pm to 6am:

  Week commencing Monday 7 Nov

  From Monday 7 to Friday 11 November there will be a full closure of the westbound contraflow lanes from junction 37 to 36, with the westbound carriageway reduced to a single lane on the approach to that closure.

  On Saturday 12 November the eastbound exit slip road for junction 37 will be closed.

  Week commencing Mon 14 Nov

  From Monday 14 to Friday 18 November, there will be a full closure of the dedicated eastbound junction 37 exit slip lane with single lane running on the approach.

  On Saturday 19 November there will be a full closure of the dedicated eastbound junction 37 exit slip lane only.

  Week commencing Monday 21 November

  From Monday 21 to Saturday 26 November full closures of the dedicated eastbound junction 37 exit slip lane will continue.

  Week commencing Mon 28 November

  From Thursday 1 to Monday 5 December full closures of the dedicated eastbound junction 37 exit slip lane will continue.

  Week commencing Monday 5 Dec

  Work will begin to switch the existing 24/7 traffic management on the eastbound carriageway so that the dedicated junction 37 exit slip lane can be moved from its current location to lane three. This requires a full closure of the current exit slip lane

  All dates are subject to change due to operational reasons such as bad weather. You can keep up to date with the M62 Ouse Bridge project by visiting this page or follow @HighwaysYORKS on Twitter for daily information about closures. 

• 18 August 2022

  Ouse Bridge - Update Summer 2022

  For a recap of the the history of the Ouse Bridge joint failure and temporary repair, please click See more updates below and read Updated - Your questions and answers - Ouse Bridge 

  What's happening now?

  We are currently working on the complex design required to permanently replace all eight joints across both carriageways on Ouse Bridge. 

  The current plates were sourced and put in place to allow a lane to be reopened as soon as possible; this solution was always a temporary measure designed to allow traffic back onto one lane of the eastbound carriageway. 

  Since installing the temporary plates we've had two design teams looking at 1) a second set of temporary plates for the area we need to work in and 2) the full joint replacement across both carriageways.

  We need to investigate a second temporary plate option which will allow us to work around it as we install the permanent joint replacement. This is because we want a solution that will also allow us to keep the eastbound lane open with access to junction 37, for the majority of the permanent repair.  

  We are designing these two solutions concurrently to try and reduce the need for full closures in the future as much as possible.  Our main aim is to keep all road users and the on-site workforce as safe as possible while working towards the solution. 

  When will this work take place?

  This autumn we will remove the temporary plates and install the second set of plates across the damaged joint on the eastbound carriageway. These new plates will allow us to work on the permanent joint replacement while keeping one lane open on the eastbound carriageway.  We aim to complete the replacement of these two joints by Spring 2023.

  The next step will be on to the westbound carriageway to replace the four joints there before returning to the eastbound to complete the final two joints. We are working this way to reduce the need for full closures as we know they cause disruption for customers and the community. 

  We are currently expecting to finish the work next autumn. 

  A year of work seems a long time, is it a particularly difficult job?

  Ouse bridge is a complex (almost) 50 year old structure and replacing  bridge joints is a highly complex task which requires specialist equipment, resource, and time. The design of bridge joints has evolved over time and this particular joint is now obsolete so we cannot replace it like for like. This will also involve alterations to the concrete elements of the bridge. We have worked with industry-leading engineers to carry out detailed and methodical analysis of the structure to inform our replacement programme. We have needed to carry out robust structural investigations and detailed design work that includes precise calculations.

  We thank road users for their ongoing patience and we will continue to provide updates here on our dedicated webpage and social media. If you want to be alerted each time an update is shared on this page, please use the Sign up for Updates link in the right hand column (desktop) or scroll to the end of the page on your mobile device. 

   

• 14 July 2022

  Updated - Your questions and answers - Ouse Bridge

  Updated 14 July 2022

  What’s happening at the moment?

  In the early hours of Thursday 14 July, we reopened lane one on the eastbound carriageway across the Ouse Bridge and the eastbound exit slip road for junction 37 at Howden. 

  Can all eastbound traffic use this newly reopened lane?

  No. We advise eastbound motorists that this lane is only for use by those wanting to leave at junction 37 so it’s imperative people read the signs and get into the correct lane in good time. Through traffic should continue to use the contraflow otherwise they will have no option but to leave the M62 at junction 37.

  Why has this been made possible? What’s been happening in the last few weeks?

  On 30 May we started work on the temporary fix to the joint on the eastbound carriageway. This involved removing the road surface to expose the bridge deck, pouring a concrete deck across all four lanes of the eastbound carriageway, waiting for that to cure and then starting to installing metal bridging plates in lane one before resurfacing the carriageway ready for opening. We’ve also had to make sure the traffic management system meets national standards.

  In parallel with that work, and to avoid road users having to wait longer than necessary to get an additional lane opened for eastbound traffic we implemented a 2+2 contraflow on the westbound carriageway on Saturday 18 June. This involved putting westbound traffic on the hard shoulder and lane one and redesigning the contraflow to open lanes two and three to eastbound traffic, doubling that capacity, which we know was much welcomed.

  The local MP suggested that change to the contraflow quite early on in this process. Why did it take so long to do?

  Our designers had to look very carefully at the feasibility of opening up the hard shoulder to traffic on the westbound carriageway so we could have two lanes running in each direction. It presented a number of challenges because the hard shoulder is narrow and we also needed to meet stringent safety criteria on the use of contraflows such as having sufficient space for barriers to divide the east and westbound traffic. We needed to ensure the bridge could hold four lanes of traffic as well as the heavy concrete barrier dividing the east and westbound lanes. We had to lower raised ironworks in the central reserve to enable us to construct the crossover for the additional lane of eastbound traffic. It was imperative that this option met the required safety standards so our calculations had to be meticulous. As soon as we knew we could do it, we started the process and worked day and night to make it happen.

  What restrictions are in place on this newly reopened lane?

  For the safety of the travelling public and that of our workforce a temporary speed limit of 30mph is in place. As the bridging plates effectively ‘ramp over’ the damaged joint, this will be likened to a ‘speed hump’ in the carriageway. Ramp Ahead and Ramp signs will be in place, together speed activated signs so it is important that vehicles travel through the works at no more than 30 mph. The layout of the contraflow on the westbound carriageway, including the 30mph speed restriction. remains the same. 

  To ensure the bridging plates remain in place, there will be a series of short, overnight closures to inspect them and re-tension their bolts. These will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, for between two to four hours each night, and then every Saturday night until contractors are satisfied the plates are firmly settled. 

  These closures will only affect lane one of the eastbound carriageway and the junction 37 exit slip road, with traffic diverted on to the contraflow instead.

  What happens now?

  We continue to install ‘longer term’ bridging plates that will allow the permanent joint solution to be placed and retain a single lane running over the bridge on the eastbound carriageway. We are looking to have these installed early September 2022.

  When will we see all traffic management removed?

  We are working on the permanent solution concurrently with the ongoing temporary work. Our designers are working with our specialist supply chain partners to determine a solution that reduces the risks of full closure in the future in conjunction with the most timely solution. 

  Is this bridge safe?

  Yes, absolutely. The issue with the joint does not affect the safety of the bridge and people should have no fear of travelling on this bridge in either direction.

  How old is the bridge?

  The bridge is almost 50 years old, having fully opened in 1976. This is a concrete and steel structure which expands and contracts with changing temperatures.

  What’s the life expectancy of a joint? How old is this one?

  The joints are around 50 years old and this one has fractured through wear and tear.

  What does a joint do?

  Joints allow the bridge to expand and contract in different atmospheric conditions.

  When was maintenance last carried out on the bridge?

  We replaced the bridge’s bearings and parapets in 2020.

  Has this happened due to neglect? 

  No. We have robust maintenance and inspection procedures in place which are undertaken in accordance with national standards.  These issues were identified as part of our inspection process.

  How often is the bridge inspected?

  General inspections are carried out every two years while principal inspections are carried out every six years. The last principal inspection was November 2021. We’ve also been carrying out special inspections of this particular joint, the last one being January 2022. Since the end of March we’ve been carrying out daily inspections to closely monitor any further deterioration.

  Why didn’t you spot it before it failed?

  The bridge joints on this structure were due to be replaced in 2024/25 as they were coming to the end of their serviceable life. This individual joint deteriorated quicker than expected.

  Why did it take so long to identify the issue and get out there to start fixing it?

  Repairing bridge joints is highly complex and requires specialist equipment, resource, and time. We had to work with industry-leading engineers to carry out detailed and methodical analysis of the structure to inform our repair programme. We have needed to carry out robust structural investigations and detailed design work that includes precise calculations. 

  The data gathered from this process means we can provide the best engineering solution to ensure the bridge can be used for years to come. 

  Do we not just need a new bridge?

  The Ouse Bridge is a robust structure that has many years of life left in it yet. To build a new one would not be a cost-effective use of public money. The failure of one joint does not warrant the construction of an entire new structure just as you wouldn’t build a new house if you were missing some roof tiles.

  Why can’t you just replace the joint?

  The design of bridge joints has evolved over time and this particular joint is now obsolete so we cannot replace it like for like.

  When you repair or replace the joint, will you replace all the others on the bridge to prevent another failure and more disruption for road users?

  All of the joints will be replaced over the next few years. A key part of the design for their replacement will be keeping the traffic moving

  Why did you have to close lane three of the eastbound carriageway on 24 May?

  As part of our ongoing inspections, we identified some deterioration of the concrete underneath the joint caused by vibration from the increased traffic in lane three. We took the decision to close lane three as a precautionary measure to prevent that deterioration getting worse.

  How did you fix that new issue?

  On Monday, 30 May we began the process of installing metal bridging plates which involved removing the road surface to expose the bridge deck, filling the gap around the joint with new concrete and installing the metal plates in lane one before resurfacing the carriageway. That will enable us to reopen a lane on the eastbound carriageway which in turn means the reopening of the the eastbound exit at junction 37 for Howden.

  How many vehicles use this section of M62 every day?

  Around 45,000 vehicles a day in each direction.

  What sort of disruption/delays are you seeing?

  We have seen some lengthy delays and apologise to road users and local communities for the problems this has caused. When we had two lanes running in each direction traffic was flowing freely which is why we are keen to get an additional lane reopened as soon as possible.

  What messages do we have for people affected by the delays? 

  We appreciate the frustration this issue is causing and would like to apologise to road users and local communities for the disruption.

  Please be assured we are doing all we can to keep traffic moving smoothly, making sure everybody gets to where they need to go safely and with as little disruption as possible. We thank road users for their patience while this work is being carried out. We also advise them to plan their journeys and allow extra time to reach their destination. 

  Is this work impacting emergency services using the bridge? 

  The needs of those using the bridge and indeed the emergency services looking after patients is at the forefront of our minds and we’re doing everything we can to ensure they are kept informed. 

  How can people keep up to date on the repairs? 

  Information about the closures is available from National Highways by visiting www.trafficengland.com and the Twitter account @HighwaysYorks. We’ll also be updating our Facebook page, National Highways Yorkshire.

  For urgent real-time assistance, our 24/7 contact centre team can provide up-to-the minute information on 0300 123 5000. 

• 14 July 2022

  M62 Ouse Bridge junction 37 now open

  Overnight engineers have re-opened access to junction 37 and an additional eastbound lane. 

  The additional lane on the eastbound carriageway is only for use by traffic wanting to leave the M62 at junction 37. Through traffic will continue to use the contraflow on the westbound carriageway. Road users are therefore advised to pay close attention to the signage and get in the correct lane in plenty of time. 

  The speed limit throughout the works remains 30mph. 

  To ensure the bridging plates remain in place, there will be a series of short, overnight closures to inspect them and re-tension their bolts. These will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, for between two to four hours each night, and then every Saturday night until contractors are satisfied the plates are firmly settled. 

  These closures will only affect lane one of the eastbound carriageway and the junction 37 exit slip road, with traffic diverted on to the contraflow instead.

   

• 12 July 2022

  M62 Ouse Bridge update: Additional lane and Junction 37 exit slip opens Thursday 14 July

  An additional lane for eastbound traffic at the M62 Ouse Bridge, together with the exit for junction 37 at Howden, is now expected to reopen in the early hours of Thursday morning (14 July) 

  Bridging plates have now been secured into place over a damaged bridge joint on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 36 (Goole) and 37, and successfully tested, and the traffic management approved.  

  To facilitate the opening, some small road repairs need to be carried out on the crossover points meaning all eastbound lanes in the contraflow will be closed from junction 36 no earlier than 10pm tomorrow night, with traffic diverted over Boothferry Bridge.  

  National Highways Programme Delivery Manager Phil Jepps said:   

  “We appreciate that people were frustrated when our planned reopening last week had to be postponed. We were frustrated as well as we wanted nothing more than to get the additional lane and junction 37 reopened. 

  “We are pleased to say that should now be happening in the early hours of Thursday morning. We know this will be great news to many people and we thank them for their patience while we’ve been working tirelessly in challenging circumstances to make this happen.” 

  The additional lane on the eastbound carriageway is only for use by traffic wanting to leave the M62 at junction 37. Through traffic will continue to use the contraflow on the westbound carriageway. Road users are therefore advised to pay close attention to the signage and get in the correct lane in plenty of time. 

  The speed limit throughout the works remains 30mph. 

  To ensure the bridging plates remain in place, there will be a series of short, overnight closures to inspect them and re-tension their bolts. These will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, for between two to four hours each night, and then every Saturday night until contractors are satisfied the plates are firmly settled. 

  These closures will only affect lane one of the eastbound carriageway and the junction 37 exit slip road, with traffic diverted on to the contraflow instead.  

  The eastbound carriageway of the Ouse Bridge has been closed since mid-June to enable National Highways and its delivery partners to progress vital repairs to a damaged bridge joint.  

  Work will now continue to install ‘longer term’ bridging plates that will allow the permanent joint solution to be placed and retain a single lane running over the bridge on the eastbound carriageway. It is hoped to have these installed early September. 

  You can keep up to date on developments on the Ouse Bridge by following the National Highways Yorkshire Facebook and Twitter feed @HighwaysYORKS. 

• 08 July 2022

  M62 Ouse Bridge: Additional lane and Junction 37 exit slip expected to reopen towards end of next week

  An additional lane for eastbound traffic exiting Junction 37 at the M62 Ouse Bridge is now expected to reopen towards the end of next week (week commencing 11 July 2022).

  Bridging plates have now been secured into place over a damaged bridge joint on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 36 (Goole) and 37 (Howden), and successfully tested.

  National Highways Programme Delivery Manager Phil Jepps said: “We’re now working with our delivery partners to make sure the layout of the new lane is designed in the right way for traffic approaching the Ouse Bridge and making it easy and safe for motorists to exit the M62 at Junction 37. In addition, we’re arranging for the manufacture of additional bespoke signs for the new layout."

  “We have been working extremely hard to get the lane and exit slip road open and had aimed to have them both opened this week. We sincerely apologise for the delay and are doing everything we can to have the lane reopened over the next week. This has been a very complex repair and I would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out this work.”

  The eastbound carriageway of the Ouse Bridge has been closed since mid-June to enable us and our delivery partners to progress vital repairs to a damaged bridge joint. A contraflow is currently in place allowing two lanes of traffic to travel in each direction.

  You can keep up to date on developments on the Ouse Bridge by following the National Highways Yorkshire Facebook and Twitter feed @HighwaysYORKS.

• 07 July 2022

  M62 Ouse Bridge update: Opening of additional lane and J37 delayed

  Drivers in East Yorkshire are advised that the planned opening of an additional lane to eastbound traffic travelling on the M62 Ouse Bridge has unfortunately been delayed. 

  The target for reopening the lane on the eastbound carriageway and the exit slip road at junction 37 (Howden) had been this evening (Thursday). However, the delay has been caused by issues with fixing the final bridging plate over the affected bridge joint.  

  National Highways Programme Delivery Manager Phil Jepps said:  

  “Our teams are now working on site and behind the scenes, to fix this issue and we will do all we can to have the additional lane open to traffic as soon as possible, ensuring the safety of drivers and engineers working on the site.  

  “We recognise the delay will be a disappointment for drivers and everyone who has worked extremely hard to get to this position. We hope the issue can be resolved today with a view to opening the lane as soon as possible. 

  “It is extremely important that we get this right first time and avoid any further issues with the plates once they are in place, minimising disruption and keeping traffic moving smoothly and safely over the bridge. 

  “We appreciate everyone’s patience while we carry out this vital and complex work.” 

  Drivers can keep up to date on developments on the Ouse Bridge by following the National Highways Yorkshire Facebook and Twitter feed @HighwaysYORKS. 

• 06 July 2022

  M62 Ouse Bridge update - junction 37 access to open

  An extra lane is expected to open to eastbound traffic travelling on the M62 Ouse Bridge tomorrow evening (Thursday 7 July) to ease congestion for thousands of drivers in East Yorkshire. 

  In addition to lane one of the eastbound carriageway, the exit slip road of the M62 eastbound at junction 37 (Howden) is also set to reopen tomorrow. The target had been today (Wednesday), however there was a slight delay in setting bridge plates over the affected joint. 

  The eastbound carriageway of the Ouse Bridge between junctions 36 (Goole) and 37 has been closed since mid-June to enable us and our delivery partners to progress vital repairs to a damaged bridge joint. The layout of the contraflow was also adjusted to allow two lanes of traffic to run in each direction on the westbound carriageway while the temporary repair took place. 

  National Highways Programme Delivery Manager Phil Jepps said:  

  “Having this additional lane open to traffic, and the exit slip road, has been extremely important to us. 

  “While we had hoped to have the additional lane open this morning, it is vital we get this right first time and avoid any further issues with the plates once they have been put in place, minimising any risk of further disruption.” 

  The bridging plates are expected to be in place today. This then provides time to allow the fixings to cure, which will enable the lane and slip road to reopen tomorrow evening. 

  National Highways has been working closely with partners and suppliers to secure metal bridging plates to be put in place over the affected bridge joint as a safe temporary solution while long-term repairs are carried out. 

  Phil added: 

  “Our engineers are now working with our partners, on the motorway and behind the scenes, to have the long-term solution in place as soon as possible.” 

  Drivers who wish to leave the M62 eastbound at junction 37 are advised to join lane one of the eastbound carriageway in good time, rather than entering the contraflow, otherwise they will have to continue to junction 38 and turn around to use the westbound exit at junction 37 instead. 

  Drivers can keep up to date on developments on the Ouse Bridge by following the National Highways Yorkshire Facebook and Twitter feed @HighwaysYORKS. 

• 18 June 2022

  Ouse Bridge contraflow now open

  We can confirm that we have reopened a second lane running eastbound on the westbound carriageway as planned today.  

• 13 June 2022

  M62 Ouse Bridge update – Additional eastbound lane due to open this weekend

  An additional lane for eastbound traffic over the M62 Ouse Bridge is due to open on the morning of Saturday, 18 June. 

  We will spend this week altering the layout of the contraflow on the westbound carriageway to enable two lanes to run in each direction. 

  The hard shoulder and lane one will be available for westbound traffic while eastbound traffic will run on the remaining two lanes. Work continues on a temporary repair to the eastbound carriageway which will then enable a further lane and the eastbound exit slip road at junction 37 to be reopened. There will be no access from the contraflow to J37 exit slip road. 

  To enable this to happen, the following overnight closures between junctions 36 (Goole) and 37 (Howden) are needed: 

  • Tonight (Monday 13 June), the eastbound lane and lane two of the westbound carriageway will be closed for resurfacing of the crossovers to accommodate two lanes of traffic.  
  • The eastbound lane will be closed overnight tomorrow (Tuesday 14 June) for alterations to the crossovers to accommodate two lanes of traffic. Westbound traffic will be running as normal. 
  • Overnight on Wednesday, 15 June, lane one of the westbound carriageway will be closed to sweep the hard shoulder, remove existing road markings and reapply them to new locations. Eastbound traffic will not be affected. 
  • Overnight on Thursday, 16 June the M62 will be closed to all westbound traffic for the alteration of road markings to move traffic into its new position  enabling the contraflow to be installed. Eastbound traffic will running as normal. Westbound traffic will be swapped on to the hard shoulder and lane one once it reopens on Friday morning. 
  • Overnight on Friday 17 June the M62 will be fully closed to all traffic to move the temporary concrete barrier to its new position and complete the build of the traffic management. Once it reopens on Saturday morning two lanes will be available in each direction on the westbound carriageway.  

  All closures take place from 8pm to 6am the following morning. Diversions will be clearly signed. 

  Once the new layout is established, the speed limit through the contraflow will be 30mph for the safety of road users.  

  National Highways Programme Delivery Manager Phil Jepps: 

  “We appreciate that this week’s overnight closures will cause disruption but it’s not something we are doing lightly, and we hope people will understand that it’s a necessary process to get a much-needed second lane open for eastbound traffic.   

  “Getting another eastbound lane open has been a priority for us and we thank people for their understanding of the complexities we’ve been dealing with to make this happen. We advise road users to continue to allow extra time for their journeys and plan their routes in advance, particularly during this week’s overnight closures.” 

  Work continues on a temporary repair to the eastbound carriageway which will then enable a further lane and the eastbound exit slip road at junction 37 to be reopened. 

  Mr Jepps continued: 

  “Over the last two weeks we’ve stripped back the road surface and the waterproofing to expose the bridge deck and poured a concrete base over all four lanes. Once that had cured - a process we were able to speed up by using additives in the concrete - we re-waterproofed the deck and applied high friction surfacing on the concrete.  

  “We will soon begin to fix metal bridging plates across parts of the eastbound carriageway, enabling us to get another lane open, although this process could take a further two weeks

  Take a look at our responses to your Ouse Bridge questions, by clicking 'see more updates' below.

   

• 30 May 2022

  Temporary repairs start today

  Today (30 May) we started repair work on the M62 Ouse Bridge which will enable part of the eastbound carriageway to be reopened. 

  Our team is on site marking out and preparing the area around the faulty joint in advance of a temporary repair.  The aim of the repair is to get a lane open on the eastbound carriageway to ease the impact on customers and road users. This work is not a permanent solution; we'll share more on that shortly.  

  During the work the current contraflow will remain in place on the westbound carriageway, with two lanes available for westbound traffic and one for eastbound. 

  The temporary fix will take around two to three weeks to complete and involves a process known as planing – where a machine with a rotating drum removes the road surface. This, and the use of mini excavators, will expose the bridge deck and enable engineers to build a concrete base across all four lanes.  

  The concrete base then needs time to cure so it reaches the maximum structural strength for safety. Metal bridging plates will be fitted to that base in lane one. The road can then be resurfaced, allowing lane one to reopen.

  A date for the opening will be confirmed in due course, once engineers confirm the concrete base is safe for the plates to be fitted. 

  We know this route is a priority for local people and customers especially those in the Goole area due to the number of watercourses nearby; this means that alternative routes are not always available. We are working as safely and quickly as we can over the Jubilee weekend to get the work done.  

  What happens after we reopen lane one?

  We will be running two lanes of eastbound traffic and two lanes of westbound traffic.  One of the eastbound lanes will be under contraflow on the westbound carriageway. 

  We will then start to install more plates with a view to reopening additional lanes on the eastbound carriageway later this summer until a more permanent repair to the joint can be carried out.

  Take a look at our responses to your Ouse Bridge questions below, by clicking 'see more updates'.

  

• 30 May 2022

  Your questions and our answers - Ouse Bridge

  We've pulled together some of your questions from social media and answered them here. If you'd like to submit a comment or question call 0300 123 5000 or email info@nationalhighways.co.uk 

  Is this bridge safe?

  Yes, absolutely. The issue with the joint does not affect the safety of the bridge and people should have no fear of travelling on this bridge in either direction.

  How old is the bridge?

  The bridge is almost 50 years old, having fully opened in 1976. This is a concrete and steel structure which expands and contracts with changing temperatures.

  What’s the life expectancy of a joint? How old is this one?

  The joints are around 50 years old and this one has fractured through wear and tear.

  What does a joint do?

  Joints allow the bridge to expand and contract in different atmospheric conditions.

  When was maintenance last carried out on the bridge?

  We replaced the bridge’s bearings and parapets in 2020.

  Has this happened due to neglect? 

  No. We have robust maintenance and inspection procedures in place which are undertaken in accordance with national standards.  These issues were identified as part of our inspection process.

  How often is the bridge inspected?

  General inspections are carried out every two years while principal inspections are carried out every six years. The last principal inspection was November 2021. We’ve also been carrying out special inspections of this particular joint, the last one being January 2022. Since the end of March we’ve been carrying out daily inspections to closely monitor any further deterioration.

  What are we doing now?

  Repairing bridge joints is highly complex and requires specialist equipment, resource, and time. We continue to work with expert contractors to assess the situation and develop the best possible solution for the Ouse Bridge. We hope to be able to carry out a temporary repair to the joint which will enable the bridge to be opened up to three lanes in each direction. We aim for this to happen later this summer.  Before that we are working on a temporary fix of the issue discovered at the end of May that should hopefully enable us to reopen a lane on the eastbound carriageway in two to three weeks.

  Why didn’t you spot it before it failed?

  The bridge joints on this structure were due to be replaced in 2024/25 as they were coming to the end of their serviceable life. This individual joint deteriorated quicker than expected.

  Why is it taking so long to identify the issue and get out there and fix it?

  We’ve been working with industry-leading engineers to carry out detailed and methodical analysis of the structure to inform our repair programme. We have needed to carry out robust structural investigations and detailed design work that includes precise calculations. 

  The data gathered from this process means we can provide the best engineering solution to ensure the bridge can be used for years to come. 

  Do we not just need a new bridge?

  The Ouse Bridge is a robust structure that has many years of life left in it yet. To build a new one would not be a cost-effective use of public money. The failure of one joint does not warrant the construction of an entire new structure just as you wouldn’t build a new house if you were missing some roof tiles.

  Why can’t you just replace the joint?

  The design of bridge joints has evolved over time and this particular joint is now obsolete so we cannot replace it like for like.

  When you repair or replace the joint, will you replace all the others on the bridge to prevent another failure and more disruption for road users?

  All of the joints will be replaced over the next few years. A key part of the design for their replacement will be keeping the traffic moving

  Why did you have to close lane three of the eastbound carriageway on 24 May?

  As part of our ongoing inspections, we identified some deterioration of the concrete underneath the joint caused by vibration from the increased traffic in lane three. We took the decision to close lane three as a precautionary measure to prevent that deterioration getting worse.

  How are you fixing this new issue?

  We are going to install metal bridging plates which involves removing the road surface to expose the bridge deck, filling the gap around the joint with new concrete and installing the metal plates before resurfacing the carriageway. That work will start on Monday 30 May and take two to three weeks to complete.

  How many vehicles use this section of M62 every day?

  Around 45,000 vehicles a day in each direction.

  What sort of disruption/delays are you seeing?

  We have seen some lengthy delays and apologise to road users and local communities for the problems this has caused. When we had two lanes running in each direction traffic was flowing freely which is why we are keen to get an additional lane reopened as soon as possible.

  Why can’t you open up the hard shoulder on the westbound carriageway so you can have two lanes in each direction?

  Our designers are currently looking at the feasibility of opening up the hard shoulder to traffic on the westbound carriageway so we can have two lanes running in each direction. This presents some challenges because the hard shoulder is narrow and we also need to meet stringent safety criteria on the use of contraflows such as having sufficient space for barriers to divide the east and westbound traffic. If we consider this option to be safe and are able to implement this change, we will do so, although we may have to operate the contraflow at a significantly lower speed than it is running now.

  What messages do we have for people affected by the delays? 

  We appreciate the frustration this issue is causing and would like to apologise to road users and local communities for the disruption.

  Please be assured we are doing all we can to keep traffic moving smoothly, making sure everybody gets to where they need to go safely and with as little disruption as possible. We thank road users for their patience while this work is being carried out. We also advise them to plan their journeys and allow extra time to reach their destination. 

  Are there any other restrictions in place?

  Yes. Due to the layout of the contraflow, eastbound traffic wanting to leave the M62 at junction 37 will have to carry on to junction 38 to turn around and use the westbound exit slip road at junction 37 instead.

  Is this work impacting emergency services using the bridge? 

  The needs of those using the bridge and indeed the emergency services looking after patients is at the forefront of our minds and we’re doing everything we can to ensure they are kept informed. 

• 24 May 2022

  Additional closures on M62 Ouse Bridge

  Drivers using the M62 Ouse Bridge are advised to allow extra time for their journeys following the closure of the eastbound carriageway between junctions 36 (Goole) and 37 (Howden) in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

  During ongoing inspections of the bridge following a joint failure in lane one, we have identified that the same joint has also failed in lane 3.

  Traffic is now diverted into the contraflow using lane 3 of the westbound carraigaway to travel eastbound. Two lanes remain open on the westbound carriageway. 

  Due to the layout of the contraflow, eastbound traffic will not be able to leave the M62 at junction 37 (Howden). Instead vehicles will be diverted to junction 38 (North Cave) to turn round and return on the westbound carriageway.

• 13 May 2022

  Work continues to develop a long term solution

  Our engineers are continuing to develop a programme of works which will see the eastbound carriageway return to three lanes as soon as possible. 

  The temporary repairs will allow us to reopen all of the lanes, whilst we work on the main programme of works to replace the bridge joint. 

  The bridge remains safe to use for all traffic and the introduction of the contraflow has meant that traffic has been kept moving in both directions with minimal disruption.

  Recently we met with, Phil Jepps our Programme Delivery Manager to explain the current situation.

  Make sure you find out the latest updates by following us on social media and signing up for email updates on the link opposite.