Clifton Bridge replacement

We’re replacing the railway bridge at Clifton, near junctions 39 to 40 of the M6, to make journeys safer and more reliable for years to come.

The bridge is about 60 years old and has reached the end of its life. We’ve already started preparation work, and the main bridge replacement will take place in early January 2026.

Some disruption is expected, but we’re working closely with our partners to keep you informed and reduce the impact where we can.

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Project timeline

  • Winter 2024 – 25: Early prep work, including utility diversions, and compound set-up.
  • Spring 2025: Long-term lane closures on the M6 begin.
  • January 2026: Full road and rail closures while the old bridge is removed and the new one installed.
  • Summer 2026: Final reinstatement and reopening.

We’ll continue to update this page as the work progresses.

What work is taking place?

Between now and early 2026, we’ll be:

  • Preparing the site with fencing and compound access
  • Diverting electric and water supply services to keep homes and businesses connected
  • Installing temporary support structures ahead of the main lift
  • Replacing the bridge with a brand-new structure designed to last 120 years

This new bridge will help reduce future delays and make journeys more reliable for both road users and rail passengers on this major north – south route.

When is the work taking place?

Here’s the current schedule:

  • Now until Summer 2025: Utility work, compound access, and preparatory activity
  • February 2025 – Summer 2026: Northbound Lane 1 and hard shoulder closures on the M6
  • May 2025 -Summer 2026: Southbound Lane 1 and hard shoulder closures
  • 31 December 2025 -15 January 2026: Rail closure on the West Coast Main Line
  • 2 – 5 and 9 – 12 January 2026: Full M6 motorway closures (both directions)

We’re working closely with our partners at Skanska and National Highways to coordinate this carefully, and we’ll keep you posted on what to expect at each stage.

How will this work affect me?

There will be some disruption during the project, including:

Road closures

Traffic will be diverted using clear signage and approved diversion routes. M6 full closures are planned over two weekends in January 2026.

Lane closures

Lane 1 and hard shoulder on both sides of the M6 will be closed for over a year. This is to allow safe access to the compound.

Rail closure

Train services through part of West Coast Main Line in the North will be suspended during the 16-day closure. We’re working with operators to confirm rail replacement services, and these will be shared closer to the time.

We’ll do everything we can to reduce the impact and give you as much notice as possible.

Why is the work needed?

The current bridge is ageing and no longer meets modern standards. Replacing it now means:

  • Fewer disruptions in the future
  • Safer journeys for road users and rail passengers
  • A more reliable route for freight and passenger services
  • Long-term cost savings by avoiding emergency repairs later

This upgrade is part of our wider plan to strengthen rail infrastructure across the region and keep passengers moving now and in the future.

Find out more

We’re holding local events where you can meet the team and ask questions.

We hosted a drop-in session in March 2025, and bi-monthly community newsletters have been delivered to our subscribers.

Get in touch

Got a question or want to stay up to date?