Preparation Underway For £60M Replacement Of West Coast Main Line Bridge Over M6

Network Rail has announced a £60M infrastructure project involving the replacement of the Clifton bridge, located near Penrith in Cumbria, due to safety concerns.

The bridge, which has been in operation for 71 years, spans the M6 motorway and is crucial for rail transport between the North of England and Scotland. However, it has deteriorated to the point where only one train is currently permitted on the bridge at any given time, leading to delays for both passenger and freight services.

Preparatory works have commenced on site ahead of the bridge’s dismantling and replacement, scheduled for early 2026. The initial phase includes setting up a compound for the construction team, with National Highways also involved in creating access roads to facilitate the project.

The full replacement will necessitate significant disruptions to both road and rail services. From January 2025 until the project’s completion in 2026, traffic management measures will be implemented on the M6, with lane closures starting about 5km south of Junction 40 and the hard shoulder closure extending to lane one on the northbound motorway.

The railway line will be closed for two weekends in January 2026 to facilitate the bridge’s removal and installation. Specifically, closures are planned from Friday evening, 2 January, to Monday morning, 5 January, and again from 9 January to 12 January. During these periods, the M6 will be shut down in both directions from junction 39 at Shap to junction 40 near Penrith.

Network Rail is coordinating with train operators to ensure alternative transportation options are available during the railway closure. Furthermore, detailed plans for diversionary routes for motorists affected by the motorway closures will be shared by Network Rail and National Highways in advance of the work.

This project not only aims to replace a vital 135m-long structure but also to enhance safety and reliability for future transport needs on this key transport corridor.

Previous collaborative projects, such as the recent railway bridge replacement over the M62 near Rochdale, have set a precedent for the successful execution of such extensive engineering works. Last summer NCE spoke to Network Rail in-depth about the replacement of the M62 Castleton bridge and how it will set the template for replacing ‘at risk’ post-tensioned bridges.

Network Rail project sponsor Olivia Boland said: “We are rebuilding Clifton bridge over the M6 to keep rail passengers and motorway users safe for years to come. This project is essential as the bridge has reached the end of its life.

“The main work, which involves rail and road closures, is not happening until January 2026. However, people living in the Clifton area or driving past might notice the start of our construction activities.

“We’re working with National Highways to make sure we can carry out our work as safely as possible with as little inconvenience to local people and the travelling public. Thank you for your patience during this critical work.”

National Highways programme delivery manager Steve Mason said: “This is an essential Network Rail project to secure the future of one of the most important railway lines in the country.

"We’ll be working closely with Network Rail throughout to keep motorway users and local people up to date with developments – especially as we approach the two weekend closures of the motorway at the beginning of next year.”

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