Drivers have been warned to expect delays this weekend as the M62 will be fully closed for the second time this month near Lancashire.

Earlier this month the same section of road was closed as Network Rail demolished a critical railway bridge between junction 19 and junction 20 of the motorway at Rochdale.

Now workers will finish the work on Castleton Bridge with drivers encouraged to check traffic conditions and expect delays as they make journeys.

The motorway carries around 120,000 vehicles a day and works earlier this month were the first planned full closure of the road “in recent memory".

It will affect East Lancashire motorists heading towards Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Hull particularly those coming from Rossendale and Hyndburn.

When it was closed earlier this month (September 6 to 9), drivers experienced congestion along both the motorway network and diversion routes.

The M62 will be totally closed between 9pm on Friday, September 20, and 6am on Monday, September 23, to allow Network Rail to complete the work.

Drivers are being advised of alternative routes between Manchester and Sheffield via roads such as the M67, A57, A628 and A616.

Gary Farrell, National Highways’ senior network planner (resilience), said: “This weekend, queues are likely again along the M60, M62 and diversion routes, especially during the day and we strongly urge people planning to travel to delay their journeys or use alternative routes well away from this part of the motorway network. 

“At the very least people should be checking for congestion or incidents before setting out and leaving extra time for journeys. 

“Even a quick glance at the map on your mobile phone before leaving the house will tell you how far back the queues are.”

Updated will be available on the National Highways webpage to help keep commuters, businesses and other M62 users up to date with the progress and planned closures related to the Network Rail project including diversion information.

The bridge, which is nearly 60 years old and connects Manchester and Rochdale, forms a critical part of the railway network.

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said: “The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway, and crucial to the country’s economy as six per cent of the UK’s energy supply relies on the bridge for transportation.

“I’m very sorry for the inconvenience our work will cause motorists and passengers.”