Drivers are being reminded to follow official diversion routes or avoid travelling through parts of Cumbria this weekend, as a key section of the M6 near Penrith closes for a second weekend to allow Network Rail to continue work on the Clifton bridge replacement project.
The closure follows the successful demolition of the old Clifton bridge last weekend, which spans the M6 between junction 39 (Shap) and junction 40 (Penrith). The bridge carries the West Coast Main Line, a vital part of the national rail network, and installation of the new structure will take place during this weekend’s works.
M6 closure details
The M6 will be closed in both directions between junctions 39 and 40 from:
8pm on Friday 9 January
Until 5am on Monday 12 January
Drivers are strongly advised to postpone journeys if possible or plan routes well away from this section of Cumbria.
Official diversion routes in place
Three main diversion routes will be operating for through traffic:
Northbound traffic:
Leave the M6 at junction 39, join the A6, and rejoin the motorway at junction 40 via Kemplay roundabout.Southbound HGVs:
Leave the M6 at junction 40, travel east on the A66, then join the A1(M) at Scotch Corner.Other southbound traffic:
Leave at junction 40, follow the eastbound A66 to Brough, then take the southbound A685 to rejoin the M6 at junction 38 (Tebay) via Kirkby Stephen.
As with last weekend, and subject to traffic conditions, the A6 will be opened as a shorter overnight diversion for southbound traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Lessons from the first weekend closure
Traffic levels were lower than usual during last weekend’s closure, with many drivers heeding advice to delay journeys or use alternative routes. However, local communities reported issues caused by some drivers avoiding official diversions, resulting in fixed penalty notices being issued.
There were also road traffic collisions and vehicle breakdowns on diversion routes, which caused delays at times. These incidents were cleared as quickly as possible, with National Highways recovery teams deployed to assist.
Multi-agency response in place
Steve Mason, Programme Delivery Manager at National Highways, said:
“For the forthcoming weekend we are again urging anyone planning to drive through this part of Cumbria to postpone their journey if possible. If travel is unavoidable, please check traffic and weather conditions before setting out and stick to the official diversions.”
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, Cumbria Police, said:
“Additional resources were deployed, including Roads Policing Officers and safety camera vans, with 44 pieces of enforcement activity undertaken.
“The same policing response will be in place this weekend, and we will continue to monitor traffic movements closely.”
Reporting highways concerns
M6 or A66 issues: Report to National Highways
Local road concerns: Report via the Westmorland and Furness Council website
Road traffic incidents: Report via the Cumbria Constabulary website or by calling 101
Throughout the closure, National Highways staff at the regional operations centre near Warrington, alongside traffic officers based at Lowhurst (near Carlisle) and Millness (near Kendal), will be working around the clock to manage traffic and respond to incidents.
