Drivers on the M6 in Cumbria are set for years of significant disruption as National Highways embarks on a massive bridge replacement scheme. The essential project will see the speed limit slashed to 30mph in sections and a key junction closed for approximately three years, raising serious concerns for local communities and businesses.
Details of the Major M6 Bridge Repairs
National Highways has confirmed plans for major repair work on seven bridges that carry the M6 over the Lune gorge in Cumbria. The structures, known as S-joint bridges, have reached the end of their functional lifespan and require complete replacement. This critical maintenance is part of a larger project and is expected to cause ongoing disruption for a substantial period, with the total works potentially lasting between four to six years.
To facilitate the complex construction, traffic management will include overnight closures, weekend shutdowns, and the implementation of contraflow systems. A key and controversial measure will be the reduction of the motorway speed limit to as low as 30 mph in parts of the active work zone. This drastic slowdown is due to the nature of the construction and the use of contraflow traffic, posing a major concern for road users who depend on the motorway for swift travel.
Protracted Junction Closure Sparks Campaign
The most contentious element of the plan is the extended closure of Junction 38 at Tebay. The proposal entails closing the southbound junction for 18 months, followed by an 18-month closure of the northbound junction. This means the junction will be completely unusable for joining or exiting the M6 for a total of around three years.
This protracted closure has triggered a fierce local backlash. A petition supporting the "Keep Junction 38 Open" campaign, launched by local officials, has gathered over 1,700 signatures in opposition. Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron is leading the charge against the closure, arguing it is unnecessary and will "devastate local businesses" that rely on proximity to the motorway. Opponents claim alternatives, such as temporary slip roads, have not been sufficiently explored by National Highways.
Impact Assessments and Official Response
A major point of criticism is that National Highways has reportedly failed to produce a full impact assessment for the project, a required step for works of this scale. This lack of assessment covers the impact on the regional road network and the wider community.
Government minister Simon Lightwood has acknowledged that concerns about the road and junction closures are "legitimate and important considerations." However, National Highways maintains that while it does not wish to inconvenience users, a level of disruption is unavoidable due to the scale and necessity of the vital repair work. The debate continues as the region braces for a long period of significant travel changes.
