Relief for Leeds Rhinos fans heading to St Helens game as M62 closure decision made
Leeds Rhinos’ travelling fans have been handed a major boost ahead of Friday’s crucial game at St Helens.
Work began earlier this month to upgrade the parapets on Scammonden Bridge, in Kirklees, which carries the B6114 over the M62. That has meant the motorway being closed in both directions between junctions 22 (Rockingstone Moss) and 24 (Ainley Top) from 8pm-6am every Monday to Friday.
The project is due to last until the end of September, causing diversions and long delays for rugby league followers travelling home across the Pennines after weekday night fixtures, including Wakefield Trinity’s game at Wigan Warriors last Friday.
However, because of the Bank Holiday weekend, the closure has been suspended this Friday, meaning Rhinos supporters’ journey back to West Yorkshire should be straightforward. The National Highways website confirmed: “M62 and B6114 over Scammonden Bridge will stay open on the nights of Friday 28 August and Monday 31 August.”
Rhinos’ away support has grown throughout this season and their last two road matches, at Wakefield Trinity and York Knights, have both drawn a full house. Coach Brad Arthur described Leeds’ backing during the 66-16 win at York as “unreal” - and he has appealed for more of the same this week.
He said: “It was great. Obviously they are enjoying the way we are playing. We’ve talked about being reliable and I think that’s all our Leeds fans want - they want to know what they are going to get from their team each week and there’s no off days.
“You might have an off day a little bit in some execution, but in the choices you make and your attitude when you are representing the jersey, there can’t be any off days. We gave the fans plenty to cheer about, they were very loud and I thought it was great. We are very appreciative of them turning up and supporting us and let’s see if we can do the same when we go to Saints on Friday.”