Drivers have been warned of new speed limits launching on a major motorway from next week as crucial roadworks get underway.
National Highways announced that on Monday, March 31, a new 40mph speed limit will be introduced on a three-mile stretch of the M6 motorway in Cumbria as part of a major bridge refurbishment project.
The new restriction will be in place between junctions 39 (Shap) and 40 (Penrith) on the motorway and is being implemented as part of the £9million renovation of Lowther Bridge.
The extensive repair project is expected to take two years to complete, with work scheduled to continue until March 2027.
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To minimise disruption, the motorway will remain open throughout the works with traffic management measures in place. During the day, two lanes out of three will remain open in both directions, while one lane will be available each way at night.
A limited number of overnight closures will be required between 10pm and 6am when traffic management is being installed or changed.
The first set of night-time closures will take place on April 5 and 6 (northbound) and again on April 12 and May 17 (southbound).
A signed diversion route via the A6 will be in operation during any road closure but National Highways warned that closures can change on short notice. During different phases of the project, drivers will be able to use the hard shoulder and lane one, or lane two with lane three, to pass the roadworks.
National Highways project manager Sam Whitfield said: "Lowther bridge is a vital part of the M6 infrastructure in this part of the motorway network and this significant maintenance and repair project will ensure it continues to serve motorway users for many years to come.
"If we do not act now, the risk is motorists will suffer from unplanned closures of the M6 and regular delays to journeys."
The repair work will involve replacing the bridge expansion joints, which allow the structure to expand or contract in different weather conditions.
National Highways will also undertake waterproofing of the bridge deck and improve drainage systems. Resurfacing work and replacement of road markings will be carried out on the bridge decks.
The central safety barrier will be repaired and renewed as part of the comprehensive renovation, with concrete repairs being made to both the deck superstructure and substructure of the bridge.
These essential maintenance works aim to reduce the number of reactive repairs needed on the bridge over the coming decade.
The structure carries thousands of motorway users over the River Lowther every day with National Highways describing the section of the motorway as "a gateway to some of the nation's most treasured landmarks" and noting how it is "regularly voted the most beautiful stretch of motorway in the country".
The investment aims to ensure the longevity of the bridge for many years to come. Without this vital maintenance, motorists could face unplanned closures and regular delays in the future.
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Whitfield added that the project team is "doing all we can to minimise any inconvenience" by coordinating activities with Network Rail which is working nearby to replace Clifton Bridge.
A free vehicle recovery service will be operated throughout the scheme for motorists who break down within the roadworks.
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National Highways announced that on Monday, March 31, a new 40mph speed limit will be introduced on a three-mile stretch of the M6 motorway in Cumbria as part of a major bridge refurbishment project.
The new restriction will be in place between junctions 39 (Shap) and 40 (Penrith) on the motorway and is being implemented as part of the £9million renovation of Lowther Bridge.
The extensive repair project is expected to take two years to complete, with work scheduled to continue until March 2027.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
To minimise disruption, the motorway will remain open throughout the works with traffic management measures in place. During the day, two lanes out of three will remain open in both directions, while one lane will be available each way at night.
A limited number of overnight closures will be required between 10pm and 6am when traffic management is being installed or changed.
The first set of night-time closures will take place on April 5 and 6 (northbound) and again on April 12 and May 17 (southbound).
A signed diversion route via the A6 will be in operation during any road closure but National Highways warned that closures can change on short notice. During different phases of the project, drivers will be able to use the hard shoulder and lane one, or lane two with lane three, to pass the roadworks.
National Highways project manager Sam Whitfield said: "Lowther bridge is a vital part of the M6 infrastructure in this part of the motorway network and this significant maintenance and repair project will ensure it continues to serve motorway users for many years to come.
"If we do not act now, the risk is motorists will suffer from unplanned closures of the M6 and regular delays to journeys."
The repair work will involve replacing the bridge expansion joints, which allow the structure to expand or contract in different weather conditions.
National Highways will also undertake waterproofing of the bridge deck and improve drainage systems. Resurfacing work and replacement of road markings will be carried out on the bridge decks.
The central safety barrier will be repaired and renewed as part of the comprehensive renovation, with concrete repairs being made to both the deck superstructure and substructure of the bridge.
These essential maintenance works aim to reduce the number of reactive repairs needed on the bridge over the coming decade.
The structure carries thousands of motorway users over the River Lowther every day with National Highways describing the section of the motorway as "a gateway to some of the nation's most treasured landmarks" and noting how it is "regularly voted the most beautiful stretch of motorway in the country".
The investment aims to ensure the longevity of the bridge for many years to come. Without this vital maintenance, motorists could face unplanned closures and regular delays in the future.
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Whitfield added that the project team is "doing all we can to minimise any inconvenience" by coordinating activities with Network Rail which is working nearby to replace Clifton Bridge.
A free vehicle recovery service will be operated throughout the scheme for motorists who break down within the roadworks.
Find Out More...