More limitations enforced on M62 Ouse Bridge

Engineers have closed one lane of the M62 Ouse Bridge after detecting damage to a bridge joint. National Highways confirmed that the closure affects the first lane of the westbound side between junctions 36 and 37. Work is scheduled to be completed over the weekend of 1314 December.

"This lane will remain closed as a precaution and to prevent further damage until the joint is fully replaced," a spokesperson explained. "The repair requires specialized engineering equipment, which is not immediately available."

The damage involves the rubber bellows, components designed to absorb vibration, which now need replacing. Officials noted that this issue is separate from the one in June, which was caused by faulty new bolts.

Repair work on the bridge originally began in March 2022, when eight damaged joints across both carriageways were identified and scheduled for replacement.

Author: Aiden Foster