Fears over traffic ‘chaos’ due to M6 closures at Tebay

Richard Holden MP, the Conservative Party's Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, visited Cumbria to hear concerns about the proposed closures [1]. The works will mainly be carried out in 2027 and will see National Highways close Junction 38 slip roads intermittently [2], facilitating essential bridge repairs. A section of the M6 motorway. (Image: National Highways)

Mike Starkie, former Mayor of Copeland said: "It will have a massive economic impact on businesses in Tebay, Kirkby Stephen and the broader Cumbrian economy and will cause chaos with the traffic." Mr Starkie, who is the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming Cumbria mayoral election [3], attended the meeting with Mr Holden in Tebay alongside community and business leaders. Concerns were raised to the Shadow Secretary of State about the impact the reduction in passing traffic would have on businesses in the area.

Following the meeting, Mr Starkie said: "Richard went away with a clear understanding of the issues and concerns that need addressed. "National Highways must enter into meaningful and detailed consultation and find a better solution that keeps the Junction open. "This work should most certainly be classed as a capital programme not a maintenance programme and a solution must be put in place that keeps Junction 38 open and the traffic moving."

Mike Starkie, former Mayor of Copeland. (Image: Submitted) Work on the M6 is scheduled for completion in 2031, involving one overheard bridge and seven road bridges. Kirkby Stephen Town Council Chair Paul Richardson joined calls for temporary slip roads during the work [4].

He said that the impact of these closures 'has to lead to a slip road and continuous access to the motorway, to prevent the isolation and desolation of our community.' In its response, National Highways [5] said that the maintenance programme is 'vital to keep drivers safe' as the motorway infrastructure is in desperate need of repair. Slip roads at Junction 38 will remain open to traffic in either the northbound or southbound direction during the works, apart from a limited number of full or overnight weekend closures.

A spokesperson for the infrastructure organisation said: "Many of the motorways and major A roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and need renewing to ensure they remain fit for purpose for generations to come, with safety our number one priority. "The bridges over the Lune Gorge are an example of this. Opened in the early 1970s, they are near the end of their lifespan, and this maintenance work is vital to keep drivers safe.

"The main work begins in 2027, and our aim is to cause as little disruption as possible during this complex scheme. To date, we have held over 60 engagement sessions with residents and businesses to identify the steps we are able to take to limit the impact." Liberal Democrat, Libby Bateman has been selected as her party's candidate for the mayoral election while Dave Allen is the Labour candidate.

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References

^ to hear concerns about the proposed closures (www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk)
^ works will mainly be carried out in 2027 and will see National Highways close Junction 38 slip roads intermittently (www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk)
^ Mr Starkie, who is the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming Cumbria mayoral election (www.newsandstar.co.uk)
^ calls for temporary slip roads during the work (www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk)
^ National Highways (www.newsandstar.co.uk)