Network Rail have revealed plans to replace a bridge across the M6 that carries the WestCoast main line at Clifton in a £20million pound project that will see full closures of the M6 and the WestCoast mainline during work to replacing the railway bridge at Clifton.
The existing bridge is now 57 years old and is formed of a three-span twin concrete underbridge with the central span of the structure passing over 6 lanes of the M6.
The bridge was constructed over a two year period and moved into place in 1967, the year before the section of the M6 opened.
Network rail plans will see a large site compound built near the bridge along with the construction of slip roads from the M6 for works traffic to access the compound.
The work is expected to see a series of overnight closures of the M6 to allow some works to be carried out on the bridge and embankments ahead of two complete weekend closures of the M6 between J40 and J39 in both directions with traffic diverted along the A6 between Kemplay and Shap via Clifton.
The rebuilding of the bridge will also see the Westcoast Mainline closed between Penrith and Oxenholme for at least a week with the old bridge removed over the first weekend closure of the M6 and the new bridge moved into place during the second weekend closure of the M6.
Network Rail has said “that a detailed examination of the structure was undertaken in June 2022. This identified several significant structural defects.”
Some of the identified defects on the bridge includes.
Hairline fractures and numerous areas of spalled concrete and exposed secondary reinforcement throughout the superstructure.
Widespread cracking to post-tensioned box girder both internally and externally and the bearings that are heavily corroded.
Network Rail has said “the most suitable means of addressing the above defects is through the reconstruction of the bridge.”
The planning for the reconstruction of the bridge is now underway with the on-site work expected to take 5 months ahead of two weekend closures of the M6 for the removal of the current bridge and installation of the new bridge expected to take place Friday 2nd January 2026 to Monday 5th January 2026 and the second closure Friday 9th January 2026 to Monday 12th January 2026.
Network Rail have submitted Prior Notification to Westmorland and Furness Council of its planned reconstruction of the railway bridge and engaging with stakeholders including National Highways, Westmorland and Furness Highways and Clifton Community Council on plans for the works and impacts on the local community.
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