Westmorland and Furness councillors representing the Eden area received an update on National Highways’ plans to replace eight ageing bridges along the M6 through the Lune Gorge in Cumbria. The briefing, delivered at a recent meeting at Voreda House, highlighted both the scale of the project and the efforts being made to minimise disruption to local communities.
Senior Project Manager for National Highways, explained that the bridge structures – originally built in the 1960s and 70s – are nearing the end of their serviceable life. The replacement project, covering a six-mile stretch between junctions 37 and 38 near Tebay, will involve seven bridges that carry the M6 itself and one that supports the A685 at Roundthwaite.
The main construction works are due to begin in 2027, with preparatory activity already under way. This includes structural surveys, ground investigations, and resurfacing work to ensure the motorway is ready for the major phase of the scheme.
To reduce the overall project duration and disruption, all bridge works will be carried out concurrently. National Highways has appointed Kier as the lead contractor, supported by engineering and design specialists RPS, Aecom, and Tony Gee.
A contraflow system is being planned to keep traffic flowing during the works, using one carriageway to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction while the opposite side is under construction.
Engagement with the Council’s Highways Team and local communities is a central part of the project strategy. National Highways confirmed that coordination is ongoing with the A66 upgrade team to avoid clashes between the two major schemes should the government spending review approve the A66 funding to enable the project to continue.
Councillors raised concerns around potential disruption in Tebay and surrounding rural areas, including the risk of HGVs using unsuitable diversion routes. In response, Mr El-Rayes from National Highways confirmed that traffic management plans would include clear signage and collaboration with sat-nav companies to steer drivers along designated routes.
The project has also reduced the expected closure period of the A685 from 90 weeks to six months, with further efforts underway to shorten this still further.
Addressing pressures on local accommodation, especially with simultaneous works on the A66, councillors asked about the development of an Accommodation Strategy for the workforce. Mr El-Rayes and Kier’s Project Lead, confirmed such a strategy is in progress and that the project will make use of a regional workforce where possible, with some staff commuting from areas such as Manchester and Liverpool.
The project is also committed to delivering social value. A fund of up to £10,000 per project is available for local community initiatives. Recent beneficiaries include Shap Primary School, which received funding for a “Sharing Shed”, and the Bendrigg Trust in Kendal, which received support to enhance outdoor facilities for people with disabilities.
Councillors welcomed the community engagement events planned in Tebay on 21 and 22 May 2025, which will provide residents with an opportunity to meet the project team, learn more about the plans, and share feedback.
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Community Engagement Events – M6 Lune Gorge Scheme
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