Safety Critical M6 Bridge Work to Start with Roadworks and Closures Until March 2027

National Highways are starting a major programme of repairs on Lowther Bridge that carries the M6 over the River Lowther South of Penrith.

The work involves replacing bridge expansion joints, waterproofing the bridge deck, resurfacing and repairing the central safety barrier.

Work had started on the bridge in 2024 but was halted after bats were discovered under the bridge preventing work from taking place until environmental approval was given to continue.

National Highways are planning to start work on Monday 31 March 2025 and expect it to take around two years to complete.

A National Highways spokes person said “If we do not act now, the risk is drivers and the community will suffer from unplanned motorway closures and regular delays.”

“To reduce disruption, we’re working with Network Rail’s nearby project at Clifton to share traffic management.”

“This means only a limited number of full motorway closures are needed and ensures the M6 will be open for most of our work.”

Roadworks to March 2027

The vital repairs will be delivered using lane closures, narrow lanes and a 40mph speed limit with traffic management in place on a three-mile section of the M6 between junction 39 Shap and 40 Penrith. 

During the day, two lanes of the three in both directions will always be running. At night-time, this will reduce to just one lane both ways open for drivers. 

A free vehicle recovery service for motorists in the event of a break will be operated throughout the scheme.

Overnight motorway closures

On a limited number of occasions, National Highways will close one carriageway of the M6 overnight to safely install or change roadworks.

The first set of night-time (10pm to 6am) closures between junction 39 and 40 will take place on:

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April, northbound only

Saturday 12 April and Saturday 17 May, southbound only

Signed diversion via the A6 will be in operation during any road closure.

Alongside the £9million Lowther Bridge Project the M6 will also have full weekend closures in early 2026 as part of the £60million WestCoast Railways Clifton M6 bridge replacement projects that will also see the WestCoast main line closed for 2 weeks.