Work to install a new railway bridge at Castleton, near Rochdale, is almost complete, although the railway between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale will remain closed until Wednesday, September 25.

The project has seen closures of the M62 over two weekends in September.

During three nights from September 20 to 23, the new 42-metre-long, 350-tonne bridge was wheeled into position.

The new bridge will allow passenger and freight trains to travel into Rochdale safely and reliably for years to come, according to Network Rail.

Amy Williams, National Highways’ director for the North West, said: "This was an essential, safety-critical project for Network Rail and allowing them to replace the bridge over two carefully-chosen weekends was a decision we took with a great deal of consideration and preparation over many months."

The closure of the stretch of railway until "the early hours" of Wednesday, September 25 is to allow for new track and railway equipment to be installed on the bridge.