Drivers warned over second M6 closure diversions

1 day ago

News image — The demolition of Clifton Bridge in Cumbria was completed last weekend

Network Rail Seven diggers are demolishing a bridge over the M6. A dust cloud is hanging over the construction site and vehicles are waiting to carry rubble away. The motorway can be seen either side of the pile of debris. — The demolition of Clifton Bridge in Cumbria was completed last weekend

Drivers have been warned to stick to diversion routes as a section of the M6 closes for a second weekend.

The motorway will be closed until 05:00 GMT on Monday between junctions 39 at Shap and 40 near Penrith part of West Coast Main Line works, which have also seen disruption to train services.

A new bridge will be installed across the M6 after the old Clifton Bridge was demolished last weekend.

National Highways said some drivers avoided the official diversion routes during that time which led to fixed penalty notices being issued.

It urged motorists to use the signed main diversion routes which involve:

Northbound drivers leaving the M6 at junction 39 to join the A6 and rejoining the M6 at junction 40 via Kemplay roundabout
Southbound HGVs leaving the M6 at junction 40 and being diverted on to the A1(M) at Scotch Corner via the eastbound A66
Other southbound drivers leaving at junction 40 diverted along the eastbound A66 to Brough and joining the southbound A685 to rejoin the M6 at junction 38 at Tebay via Kirkby Stephen

A new 4,200-tonne steel and concrete structure will be moved into place during the 57-hour motorway closure.

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