Everything you need to know as M6 drivers face 30mph speed limit and junction closures
National Highways is planning major repair work
19:47, 03 Dec 2025
View ImageA general image of the M6(Image: National Highways)
Everything you need to know as M6 drivers face 30mph speed limit and junction closures
- National Highways is planning major repair work on seven bridges over the Lune gorge in Cumbria that carry the M6 motorway. This essential maintenance is required because the current structures, known as S-joint bridges, are reaching the end of their functional lifespan and must be replaced.
- The work is part of a larger project and is expected to cause ongoing disruption for a substantial period, potentially lasting between four to six years in total. During the replacement process, the plans include implementing measures such as overnight closures, weekend shutdowns, and contraflow traffic systems.
- A key component of the plan involves restricting the motorway speed limit to as little as 30 mph in parts of the work zone due to the nature of the construction and the use of contraflow systems.
This significantly reduced speed is one of the main concerns for road users who rely on the motorway for swift travel.
- Crucially, the plans entail the closure of Junction 38 at Tebay for an extended period, which is the most contentious element of the project. This closure will first affect the southbound junction for 18 months, followed by a subsequent 18-month closure of the northbound junction.
- The total duration of the junction closures will be approximately three years, during which time drivers will be unable to use the junction for either joining or exiting the M6. This protracted closure has raised serious alarms regarding local access and economic viability.
- A petition supporting the "Keep Junction 38 Open" campaign has been launched by local officials, gathering over 1,700 signatures in opposition to the plan.
Liberal Democrat Tim Farron is a prominent figure leading the push against the junction closure, arguing it is unnecessary.
- Opponents suggest there are clear alternatives to the full junction closure, such as the temporary construction of slip roads to maintain access. They argue that insufficient attention has been paid to these potential alternative traffic management solutions by National Highways.
- Farron has warned that the current plan will "devastate local businesses" that are heavily reliant on their proximity to the M6 and the traffic flow through the north and south junctions. He fears the three-year closure will effectively isolate the community from the vital motorway connection.
- A major criticism is that National Highways has reportedly failed to produce a full impact assessment for the project, which is a required step for such large-scale works.
This lack of assessment includes the impact on the regional road network and the wider community.
- A government minister, Simon Lightwood, acknowledged that the concerns raised about the impact of the road and junction closures are "legitimate and important considerations" for all affected parties.
However, National Highways maintains that while it does not intend to inconvenience users, a level of disruption is unavoidable due to the scale and necessity of the repair work.
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