M6 motorway drivers warned over ‘major’ change lasting until January 2026
Drivers have been warned over planned closures on a major motorway as a 70-year-old bridge gets replaced for the first time. The M6 in Cumbria faces lane closures starting this month as preparations begin for the major railway bridge replacement project. The disruption will impact a three-mile stretch south of Junction 40 near Penrith. Olivia Boland, Network Rail project sponsor, said:[1] "We are rebuilding Clifton bridge over the M6 to keep rail passengers and motorway users safe for years to come.
This project is essential as the bridge has reached the end of its life." Steve Mason, National Highways programme delivery manager, added:[2] "This is an essential Network Rail project to secure the future of one of the most important railway lines in the country. We'll be working closely with Network Rail throughout to keep motorway users and local people up to date with developments, especially as we approach the two weekend closures of the motorway at the beginning of next year."
The 135-metre-long bridge takes trains over the M6 between the North of England and Scotland. From January 2025 until project completion in 2026, traffic management measures will be implemented on the M6, including lane closures. There will also be a hard shoulder shutdown starting approximately 5km south of Junction 40.
Railway services will face two planned weekend closures in January 2026, with the M6 entirely shut between Junction 39 at Shap and Junction 40 near Penrith during those times. The closures are scheduled for January 2 to January 5 and January 9 to January 12, 2026. Rail and road agencies have warned that there will be closures to both transport arteries in January 2026.
Regular users of the motorway, particularly freight drivers, will have to factor in lane closures and speed restrictions beginning this month.
The work has been branded "essential".
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