Motorists travelling through Cumbria have been warned to plan ahead this January, as part of the M6 will shut for two consecutive weekends, causing major disruption.
The motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith, from 8pm on Friday evenings until 5am on Monday mornings.
The closures are needed so Network Rail can demolish and rebuild Clifton Bridge, which carries the West Coast Mainline railway over the M6.
The work is being described as essential, but drivers are being urged to allow extra time for journeys and follow diversion routes carefully.
Both weekends will see full closures northbound and southbound, affecting long-distance travellers as well as local traffic.
National Highways and Network Rail said they are taking steps to reduce disruption, particularly for residents living near diversion routes.
A series of public drop-in sessions is being held over the festive period, so local people can find out more and ask questions.
Project managers from both organisations will be available at the Rheged Centre in Penrith on December 23, 24, 29 and 30, between 9.30am and 5pm.
The M6 will close its lanes in January following repair works to the bridge
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
There will also be an event at Kirkby Stephen Methodist Church on December 22, running from 10am until 7pm.
In addition, around 23,000 leaflets are being delivered to homes across the area, explaining the closures, diversion routes and what drivers can expect.
Steve Mason, programme delivery manager at National Highways, said keeping traffic out of small villages is a top priority.
“We are working hard on a traffic management plan which will keep diverted traffic out of local villages and ensure everyone sticks to the official diversion routes,” he said.
The M6 bridge restructure will cause lane closures on certain junctions of the motorway | NATIONAL HIGHWAYS“At the same time, we want to make sure local people and services can still access their communities and experience as little disruption as possible.”
He added that the public information events are designed to help people prepare. “These events are a chance to find out more about the project and ask questions about traffic management and other arrangements for the two weekend closures,” he said.
To manage the disruption, three separate diversion routes have been created, with different routes for northbound and southbound traffic.
Drivers heading north will be diverted off the M6 at junction 39, following the A6 before rejoining the motorway at junction 40 via Kemplay roundabout.
The bridge carries the A685 over the M6 motorway in Cumbria | NATIONAL HIGHWAYSFor drivers heading south, the routes depend on the type of vehicle. Southbound HGVs will be sent east along the A66 to Scotch Corner, where they will join the A1(M).
Other southbound vehicles will follow the A66 to Brough, then travel down the A685 through Kirkby Stephen, rejoining the M6 at junction 38 at Tebay.
Extra measures will be in place at Skirsgill and Kemplay roundabouts to help keep traffic moving and reduce congestion. Cumbria Police will also be supporting both weekends to manage traffic and improve safety.
Drivers have been strongly urged to follow signed diversion routes rather than relying on sat-navs, which may send traffic through unsuitable local roads.
With the M6 being a key route through the North West, motorists are being advised to check travel plans in advance, allow extra time for journeys and avoid the area where possible during the two weekends in January.
