Motorists to see M6 close next week as major roadworks cause serious delays for thousands
Drivers have been warned of major closures to the M6 in Cumbria next week as major rail works begin, with traffic expected to slow down.
Motorists heading through Cumbria are expected to see major disruption at the start of the new year, with a full closure of part of the M6 planned.
The motorway will shut in both directions near Penrith while Network Rail carries out major work to replace Clifton Bridge, which carries the West Coast Main Line over the M6.
The closure affects the stretch between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 at Penrith and is expected to cause long delays, particularly for drivers travelling long distances.
Now, National Highways has urged motorists to delay journeys or avoid Cumbria altogether if they can while the works get underway.
The first closure will run from 8pm on Friday, January 3, until 5am on Monday, January 6. The second will take place from 8pm on Friday, January 10 to 5am on Monday, January 13.
Around 50,000 vehicles a day normally use this section of the M6, although traffic is usually lighter in January and at weekends.
National Highways said these will be the first full weekend closures of the M6 in Cumbria in recent memory.
The M6 will be closed between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 at Penrith
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Steve Mason, programme delivery manager at National Highways, said the closure was unavoidable. “This is an essential Network Rail project to secure the future of one of the most important railway lines in the country, and it cannot be completed without closing the M6,“ he said.
He added: “We’re urging anyone thinking of driving through this part of Cumbria during the first two weekends of the new year to delay their plans if possible.
“Anyone who does need to travel should plan those journeys carefully and stick to the official diversions or take routes away from the county.”
Network Rail explained the bridge replacement is part of a much larger upgrade of the West Coast Main Line, one of Britain’s busiest rail routes.
The M6 bridge restructure will cause lane closures on certain junctions of the motorway | NATIONAL HIGHWAYSThe wider programme includes replacing more than 80 kilometres of overhead power lines and ongoing improvements to railway signalling.
William Brandon, Network Rail‘s project manager, said the work would bring long-term benefits. “This ambitious project will provide a vital upgrade to the West Coast Main Line and improve reliability and journey times for passengers,” he said.
He also advised rail users to check travel plans carefully during the closures. “We encourage passengers to check National Rail Enquiries before travelling,” he shared.
For drivers who must travel during the closures, official diversion routes will be in place. Northbound drivers will leave the M6 at junction 39, follow the A6, and rejoin the motorway at junction 40 via the Kemplay roundabout. Southbound traffic faces longer diversions. Heavy Goods Vehicles will leave at junction 40, take the A66 eastbound to Scotch Corner, and then join the A1(M).
The M6 will close its lanes in January following repair works to the bridge | NATIONAL HIGHWAYSOther southbound drivers will also exit at junction 40 and take the A66, but will turn south at Brough, follow the A685 through Kirkby Stephen, and rejoin the M6 at junction 38 near Tebay.
National Highways has warned drivers not to use local roads or attempt to find shortcuts, as villages and minor routes are not suitable for large volumes of traffic.
Staff at the National Highways regional operations centre near Warrington will monitor the situation around the clock, supported by traffic officers based near Carlisle and Kendal.
The agency has also set up a free text alert service for the closures. Drivers can sign up by texting “M6 Clifton Railway Replacement” to 07723 402 215.
Around 23,000 leaflets explaining the closures have already been delivered to homes around Penrith. Public drop-in sessions are continuing at the Rheged Centre, running from 9.30am to 5pm on Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30.
