A £9 million overhaul of an M6 bridge is set to start at the end of March 2025. National Highways will begin a two-year project to refurbish the M6 bridge over the River Lowther on Monday, March 31. This bridge is situated between junction 39 and junction 40 of the motorway, just south of Penrith. The refurbishment work will encompass significant concrete repairs to both the bridge deck superstructure and substructure, as well as full rewaterproofing and resurfacing alongside the renewal of the central reservation barrier. Additionally, essential bridge components known as expansion joints will also be replaced, allowing the structure to adapt to varying weather conditions.
Despite the extensive repairs, National Highways is committed to maintaining access on the motorway throughout the duration of the project. During the daytime, both the southbound and northbound carriageways will operate with two lanes open, while overnight, a lane will remain open in each direction. There are some anticipated overnight closures for either the northbound or southbound lanes when traffic management is set to be installed or removed, although these closures are expected to be minimal, only a few in number.
Sam Whitfield, project manager at National Highways, emphasized the bridge’s role in the local infrastructure: “Lowther bridge is a vital part of the M6 infrastructure in this part of the motorway network, and this significant maintenance and repair project will ensure it continues to serve motorway users for many years to come. If we do not act now, the risk is motorists will suffer from unplanned closures of the M6 and regular delays to journeys.”
To limit the disruption for motorists—including commuters, hauliers, and holiday makers—National Highways is coordinating the construction activities with Network Rail, which will also be working to replace the nearby Clifton bridge over the next 18 months. This bridge is located about three-quarters of a mile south of Lowther bridge and carries the west coast mainline over the motorway, adding another layer of complexity for road users in the area.
As work progresses through different phases, drivers will have access to use the hard shoulder or either of the first two lanes to pass the roadworks. A 40mph speed limit will be enforced throughout, along with a free vehicle recovery service for those who may experience breakdowns during the repairs.
The repair works on the M6 will not only affect drivers but could bring long-term benefits as well. For the duration of the project, which will last until March 2027, the road will undergo essential upgrades to improve safety and longevity.
Overnight motorway closures will begin to occur on April 5 and 6, 2025, for northbound traffic. Following this, there will be additional southbound closures on April 12 and May 17, both scheduled between 10 PM and 6 AM, complete with a signed diversion via the A6.
Motorists are advised to keep abreast of live travel updates and closure information, as schedules may adjust on short notice, reflecting the dynamic nature of such extensive infrastructure projects.
Overall, while the impending repairs may pose some challenges for road users, they are framed as a necessary undertaking to enhance the safety and functionality of the M6, a corridor that carries vital traffic for both local and long-distance journeys.
