Structural concerns related to joint failures on the M62 Ouse Bridge have forced closure of the eastbound lanes between junctions 36 (Goole) and 37 (Howden) in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

National Highways was forced to close eastbound lanes on the bridge after extensive damage was discoverd during an inspection.

The Ouse Bridge is a 1.6km, 29-span reinforced concrete plate girder bridge that spans the river Ouse. It was built between 1973 and 1976 by Costain.

In March, a bridge joint, which allows the carriageway to expand and contract with the weather, was found to have a partial failure across lanes one and two. This forced National Highways to close lanes one and two and introduce a contraflow system while inspections and overnight repairs were carried out. The contraflow stystem sees use lane three of the eastbound carriageway remain running while some traffic is diverted into a sectioned-off lane of the westbound carriageway. It has remained in place since mid-April, putting additional pressure on lane three of the eastbound carriageway, which has carried all of the heavier traffic.

During one of the ongoing inspections on 24 May, it was discovered that the increased vibration from that traffic has started to damage the concrete under lane three. National Highways has therefore had to close lane three as a precautionary measure to prevent the issue getting worse, meaning the complete closure of the eastbound carriageway between junctions 36 and 37.

While eastbound traffic can still pass using part of the contraflow that is on the westbound carriageway, the delays are significant and National Highways is advising drivers to avoid this section of the M62. Peak hours are seeing tail backs of up to 7km.

National Highways is now looking to quickly secure the concrete under lane three using bridging plates, which will need to be able to expand like the joint. National Highways is looking to install them in the next two to three weeks. This will allow the contraflow to come back into full use.

A long-term solution to the bridge joint failure is still being concocted. The Maurer joint that was installed in the bridge originally was particularly complex, able to move by 400mm, but it is now obsolete. National Highways is working with Maurer to work out out a long-term solution with a new joint, which should be installed later this year.

Jacobs has been hired for the design, while Winvic is carrying out the concrete repairs, Maurer is working on the joint repair and replacement, and Amey is handling traffic management.

National Highways programme delivery manager Phil Jepps said: “As safety is our key priority we have closed that lane meaning all eastbound traffic is now using the contraflow lane on the westbound carriageway. Road users should therefore expect delays. We also anticipate delays on local roads in the area so advise people to allow extra time for their journeys.

“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 right solution for the bridge. At this time there is no indication when the eastbound carriageway will reopen, but it is top of our priority list.”

Defective bridge joints have been a thorn in National Highways’ side, with the M6 Thelwall Viaduct, the M25 junction three bridge and a different M62 bridge between Wakefield and Leeds all having to undergo emergency repairs in the last year.

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Tagged with: Amey Costain Jacobs M62 maurer ouse bridge Winvic

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