Next year,
Network Rail is to replace the 60-year-old Clifton bridge, near Penrith in Cumbria. The bridge, which takes trains over the M6 between the North of England and Scotland, has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Currently, only one train at a time is allowed on it, which causes delays for passengers and freight services.
So that workers can carry out the work safely, there will be road and rail closures in January 2026; and to complete the work, engineers need to dismantle the old bridge and take it away on the M6. The new bridge materials will be delivered by road and built on site. Earlier this month, a team arrived on site to prepare a compound for the work, a task that also saw
National Highways working on behalf of Network Rail to build an access road to the work site. Until the end of the project in 2026, there will be traffic management in place on the M6, starting aabout three miles south of Junction 40.
Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, 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.”
Steve Mason, National Highways’ programme delivery manager, said: “This is an essential Network Rail project to secure the future of one of the most important railway lines in the country. We will 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.”
In January 2026, the railway will be closed for two weeks so the bridge can be demolished and replaced over two weekends. Network Rail is working with train operators to plan what alternative transport options will be available during this time. Network Rail and National Highways worked together on a similar project in Greater Manchester in the autumn when Network Rail successfully replaced a railway bridge over the M62 near Rochdale. This work required two weekend closures of the motorway.