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.

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:

  • 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 as the replacement takes place.
  • 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

The M6 will also be shut on two consecutive weekends, between: 

  • 8pm on Friday 2 January and 5am on Monday 5 January 2026. 
  • 8pm on Friday 9 January and 5am Monday 12 January 2026. 

During these periods, the motorway will close in both directions between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith. 

To find out more about diversionary routes, please visit the National Highways webpage.

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

This work forms part of a £196m package of essential work will take place to make future journeys more reliable for passengers and freight. To carry out this work, parts of the West Coast Main Line will be closed between 24 December 2025 and 15 January 2026.

In the North West:

  •  From 1-4 January 2026, the line will be closed through Preston, between Oxenholme and Carlisle, and Carlisle to Dumfries and Lockerbie.
  • From 5-6 January 2026, the line through Preston will be open. The railway between Oxenholme and Carlisle, and Carlisle to Dumfries and Lockerbie, will remain closed for work.
  • From 7-14 January 2026, the line north of Carlisle will be open. The railway between Oxenholme and Carlisle will be closed as the work to replace Clifton bridge continues until the early hours of 15 January.

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

National Highways is holding a series of public drop-in sessions in December where you can find out more about the scheme and ask questions. And Network Rail will be joining National Highways at the following event:

Date: Saturday 13 December
Venue: Brewery Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7FN
Time: 9am to 4pm

If you’re unable to attend this session, National Highways is hosting more drop-in events at the locations below:

Dates: Monday 15 December, Tuesday 16 December, Tuesday 23 December, Wednesday 24 December, Monday 29 December, Tuesday 30 December
Venue: Rheged Centre, Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ
Time: 9.30am to 5pm each day

Dates: Thursday 18 December and Monday 22 December
Venue: Kirkby Stephen Methodist Church, High Street, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4SG
Time:10am to 7pm each day

For the latest information, please visit National Highways’ dedicated project webpage.

Get in touch

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