Skanska Appointed To Replace Rail Bridge Over The M6 In £43M Contract

Network Rail has confirmed the appointment of Skanska to oversee the replacement of Clifton Bridge in Penrith, under a £43M contract.

The project involves the design, construction and installation of a new 130m single span steel bridge, which is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Clifton Bridge, a vital structure on the West Coast Main Line that crosses the M6 motorway, has been in service for 71 years. However, due to significant deterioration, it has been restricted to only one train crossing at a time, resulting in delays for both passenger services and freight transport between the North of England and Scotland.

Preparatory work for the £60M project began earlier this year, with the existing bridge set to be removed by the end of this year. The new bridge will be constructed nearby and moved into place during a scheduled 15-day blockade of the West Coast Main Line, commencing on 31 December 2025.

This replacement scheme marks the first project Skanska has secured under Network Rail’s five-year North West and Central Framework for Control Period 7, which runs from April 2024 to March 2029.

The planning has involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including National Highways, Westmorland & Furness Council, the Environment Agency, and the National Trust.

Skanska operations director (rail) James Corker said: “Over recent months, we have worked closely with Network Rail to simplify and refine the design and construction methodology, ensuring that it meets budget and programme targets.

“This is a complex project that will be delivered to tight timescales, and we are delighted to have been appointed. It draws on our expertise delivering similar schemes, with close support from our supply chain team.

“We have found ways to reduce cost, time and carbon, including through value engineering to minimise works required in reusing existing bridge support structures, such as abutments and piers. It’s been a really collaborative process and we are now very much looking forward to beginning main construction.”

Significant disruptions to both road and rail services are anticipated during the work. Traffic management measures on the M6 will be in place until the project’s conclusion in 2026, including lane closures which will extend approximately 5 km south of Junction 40, with restrictions reaching lane one on the Northbound side of the motorway.

Additionally, the railway line will undergo closures for two weekends in January 2026 to facilitate the removal and installation of the new bridge. These closures are scheduled from the evening of 2 January to the morning of 5 January, and again from 9 January to 12 January. During this time, the M6 will also be shut in both directions between junctions 39 and 40, further impacting traffic in the area.

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