M6 to partially close over weekend for new railway bridge installation

The new bridge will carry the West Coast Mainline over the M6. Credit: Network Rail

The M6 is to partially close again this weekend, as major works will see a new railway bridge lifted into position and installed over the carriageway.

It comes after last weekend's closure which saw the demolition of the 1960s-built Clifton railway bridge.

The motorway will be shut to traffic in both directions between junctions 39 and 40 from 8pm on Friday January 9, until 5am on Monday January 12.

Diversion routes are different for motorists and HGVs, and differ too depending on time of travel.

The diversions motorists will take during the daytime. Credit: ITV Border

What are the diversions?

  • Southbound daytime (5am to 8pm) diversion route for cars: Motorists will be directed to leave the M6 at junction 40 and take the A66 from Kempley Roundabout, before joining the A685 and re-joining the M6 at junction 38 (Tebay)

  • Northbound daytime diversion route for cars and HGVs: Northbound motorists will leave the M6 at junction 39, and take the A6 to Kempley Roundabout, before re-joining the M6 at junction 40.

HGV drivers going southbound will have to take this diversion during the day. Credit: ITV Border

  • Southbound and northbound overnight (8pm to 5am) diversion route for cars and HGVs: HGV drivers and motorists in both directions will be instructed to take the A6 between junctions 39 and 40.

  • Southbound daytime diversion route for HGVs: HGV drivers must leave the M6 at Penrith and take the A66, and then the A1(M). They can then take the M62 and rejoin the M6 northbound if necessary.

Temporary speed limit removed

To ease congestion around Penrith and keep traffic flowing on the A66 diversion route, National Highways has announced it will remove the 40mph temporary speed limit between M6 junction 40 and Center Parcs.

The speed limit has been in place to protect workers during roadworks on the A66, but this weekend no staff will be present, negating the need for a lower speed restriction.

The temporary speed limit will be removed between Friday January 9 and Tuesday January 13.

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