M6 SHUTDOWN: Major Bridge Works Spark Weekend Gridlock
The M6 motorway is DEAD in both directions all weekend between junctions 39 (Shap) and 40 (near Penrith). From 8pm on January 2 until 5am January 5, drivers face total chaos as engineers rip down and replace the ageing £60million Clifton Bridge.
This nightmare closure is just the first of two this month. The second shutdown hits January 9 to 12. The 60-year-old bridge is being swapped for a monster 427ft, 4,200-tonne new structure to boost the Carlisle-London rail line on the busy West Coast Main Line.
Expect Traffic Mayhem & Rail Disruptions
About 50,000 vehicles roar through this stretch every day. Expect snarled-up roads even in quieter January weekends. Rail services on the West Coast Main Line will also face heavy disruptions during the works.
Steve Mason, Programme Delivery Manager: “Kirkby Stephen will take the brunt of diverted traffic during the day, while Clifton and Shap will see more impact at night. We’re spreading the traffic burden to keep disruption down.”
Skanska Rail Director James Corker said: “We’ve run detailed 4D digital rehearsals to nail the old bridge removal and new bridge installation. We’re extremely confident of sticking to schedule.”
How to Dodge the Diversions
- Northbound: Exit M6 at junction 39, take the A6, then rejoin M6 at junction 40 via Kemplay roundabout.
- Southbound HGVs: Leave M6 at junction 40, divert east on A66 to Scotch Corner, then head south on A1(M).
- Other Southbound Traffic: Exit at junction 40, follow A66 east to Brough, then A685 south to rejoin M6 at junction 38 via Kirkby Stephen.
Local resident Stewart Hannan from Eamont Bridge said: “The bridge has got to be put in. It’s just something we have to put up with.”
Good news: Tebay Services will remain OPEN throughout the closures, offering a pit stop for stranded drivers.
Network Rail’s Massive Upgrade Rolls On
William Brandon, Network Rail Project Manager, revealed: “We’re not just replacing the bridge — over 80km of overhead lines are being renewed and signalling systems modernised. This upgrade will boost reliability and speed on this crucial rail corridor. Passengers should check National Rail Enquiries before travelling.”
Don’t get caught out this January! Plan your route to avoid the M6 carnage and keep your journey moving.
