Warning for M6 drivers using motorway on two weekends in January
Drivers have been warned to plan ahead this January, as part of the M6 will shut for two consecutive weekends, causing major disruption.
08:02, 18 Dec 2025
View ImageWarning for M6 drivers using motorway on two weekends in January
M6 drivers will see the major motorway close in January as vital bridge work impacts travel. Drivers have been warned to plan ahead this January, as part of the M6 will shut for two consecutive weekends, causing major disruption.[1][2]
The motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith, from 8pm on Friday evenings until 5am on Monday mornings.
Network Rail warned: "We're replacing the railway bridge at Clifton, near junctions 39 to 40 of the M6, to make journeys safer and more reliable for years to come. The bridge is about 60 years old and has reached the end of its life.
"We've already started preparation work, and the main bridge replacement will take place in early January 2026. Some disruption is expected, but we're working closely with our partners to keep you informed and reduce the impact where we can.
Between now and early 2026, Network Rail will be preparing the site with fencing and compound access, diverting electric and water supply services to keep homes and businesses connected and installing temporary support structures ahead of the main lift.
It will be replacing the bridge with a brand-new structure designed to last 120 years,
This new bridge will help reduce future delays and make journeys more reliable for both road users and rail passengers on this major north - south route.
To carry out this work, parts of the West Coast Main Line will be closed between 24 December 2025 and 15 January 2026.
From 1-4 January 2026, the line will be closed through Preston, between Oxenholme and Carlisle, and Carlisle to Dumfries and Lockerbie.
From 5-6 January 2026, the line through Preston will be open.
The railway between Oxenholme and Carlisle, and Carlisle to Dumfries and Lockerbie, will remain closed for work.
From 7-14 January 2026, the line north of Carlisle will be open.
The railway between Oxenholme and Carlisle will be closed as the work to replace Clifton bridge continues until the early hours of 15 January.
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