Undercover Engineers Revamp M62’s Ouse Bridge
Since May 2018, a top team of engineers have been secretly working on Yorkshire’s Ouse Bridge, swapping out over 200 crucial bridge bearings. These hidden heroes ensure the bridge can handle all weathers, expanding and contracting safely without drivers even noticing.
Now, the job’s done with fresh new parapets installed – leaving the landmark ready to carry on for decades more.
Ouse Bridge: Yorkshire’s Vital Link Since 1976
Opened in 1976, the Ouse Bridge is the final stretch of the M62 motorway, which runs across northern England from liverpool/" title="Liverpool" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Liverpool to Hull. This recent maintenance reflects the everyday work Highways England puts in to keep its 22,000 bridges and tunnels safe for millions of motorists.
From Abseiling to Diving: How Engineers Get Up Close and Personal
Highways England engineers don’t shy away from extreme methods to keep the network safe. Whether it’s abseiling down towering piers, crawling under roads, or diving beneath bridges like the Orwell, these daring inspections happen mostly out of sight, often overnight, so drivers aren’t disrupted.
“Our roads connect the country and millions rely on our structures daily,” said Mike Wilson, Highways England Chief Highways Engineer. “We carry out thousands of inspections each year — checking paintwork to material integrity — to plan timely maintenance and avoid emergency repairs.”
£4.1 Billion Boost for Britain’s Bridges
Every two years, Highways England conducts routine checks, with in-depth inspections every six years. Using data from these checks, maintenance is carefully scheduled to minimise disruption and keep roads running smoothly.
Now, the agency is gearing up for its biggest overhaul ever, earmarking over £4.1 billion over the next five years. The ambitious plan includes renewing 170 bridges and other key structures to safeguard Britain’s vital transport links well into the future.
