Imagine being stuck in endless traffic while a major motorway is shut down for an entire weekend. This is exactly what's happening as a crucial £60 million rail bridge is being replaced, leading to significant disruptions on the M6. Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan their routes ahead of time due to these closures.
The M6 motorway has been entirely closed in both directions from junction 39 at Shap to junction 40 near Penrith. This closure began at 8 PM on January 2 and is scheduled to last until 5 AM on January 5. The bridge in question, the Clifton Bridge, has served for over six decades and is being replaced with a new structure measuring 427 feet in length and weighing 4,200 tonnes.
National Highways has emphasized that this £60 million project is essential for maintaining a reliable connection along the Carlisle to London route. Steve Mason, the programme delivery manager, noted that the town of Kirkby Stephen will bear the brunt of increased traffic during the day, while the neighboring areas of Clifton and Shap will experience greater impacts at night. "We are attempting to distribute the traffic burden evenly throughout the weekend," he added.
James Corker, the rail director at Skanska, expressed confidence that the project would meet its timeline, stating, "We have conducted extensive digital rehearsals to ensure the old bridge is safely removed and the new one is installed smoothly. So, we are very optimistic about adhering to the schedule."
Local resident Stewart Hannan, living in Eamont Bridge, voiced his acceptance of the situation, saying, "The bridge needs to be installed, so it's just something we’ll have to endure."
This weekend's closure is just the first of two planned for January, with the next set to occur from 8 PM on January 9 to 5 AM on January 12. During this period, Tebay Services will remain operational despite the ongoing construction.
It is estimated that approximately 50,000 vehicles travel this section of the M6 daily; however, traffic levels are generally lower during January and on weekends. William Brandon, a project manager with Network Rail, highlighted the importance of this initiative: "This ambitious project is crucial for upgrading the West Coast Main Line, which will enhance reliability and reduce journey times for travelers. While we work on replacing the M6 bridge, we will also update over 80 kilometers of overhead lines and continue modernizing our signaling systems."
For those needing to navigate around the closure, there are three primary diversion routes established:
1. Northbound drivers exiting the M6 at junction 39 can join the A6 and rejoin the M6 at junction 40 via the Kemplay roundabout.
2. Southbound heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) departing from junction 40 will be redirected onto the A1(M) at Scotch Corner using the eastbound A66.
3. Other southbound drivers leaving at junction 40 will be diverted along the eastbound A66 to Brough, then take the southbound A685 to reenter the M6 at junction 38 at Tebay via Kirkby Stephen.
As this significant project progresses, patience from passengers and motorists alike is appreciated. Anyone planning to travel during this time should consult National Rail Enquiries to stay informed.
