Huge steel beams arrive for new railway bridge

A steel section being lifted onto tressels

Major sections of a replacement railway bridge which will take the www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk West Coast Main Line over the M6 are arriving on-site ahead of its complete overhaul next year. Network Rail is investing £60 million to replace Clifton bridge near Penrith so it can continue to safely carry passenger and freight trains over one of Britain's busiest motorways.

At 60-years-old, weight restrictions on the current structure mean it can only carry one train at a time, causing delays to train services. Once constructed in January next year the new bridge will measure 130m in length and weigh around 3,000 tonnes.

In recent weeks, Network Rail and contractor Skanska, have taken delivery of the first of five huge VIBs (Very Important Beams) for the new three-span structure. The parts were pre-fabricated in Glasgow, before making their journey south, ready to be assembled on a purpose-built work site next to the M6 in Clifton, Penrith.

William Brandon, Network Rail’s project manager, 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. It is fantastic to see the first parts of the new bridge arrive on site six months before construction begins.

“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. We are working with National Highways to make sure we can carry out our work as safely as possible with as little inconvenience to local people and the travelling public. Thank you for your patience during this critical work.”

Massive achievement
Rosario Barcena, Skanska’s rail programme director, said: “We have had fantastic collaboration on this project, including with Network Rail, National Highways, local authorities and our supply chain partners. To see the first steels arriving on-site is a massive achievement. Our expert team is now very much focused on building the new bridge off-site and planning for its installation in early January. As part of our works, we have had the opportunity to showcase careers in rail, engineering and construction and we are delighted to have recruited two local apprentices.”

Rail passengers and motorists are being advised of changes to journeys during the main work in January 2026. Part of the West Coast Main Line will be closed between 31 December and 15 January 2026. Network Rail is working with train operators on the best possible alternative travel plan for this significant closure and will share more information soon.

Since January this year, a 24hr hard shoulder and lane one northbound closure between junction 39 and junction 40 of the M6 has been in place to help facilitate access to the worksite. National Highways recently completed the construction of a slip road to allow engineers to access the roadside compound, which will help reduce disruption to nearby local communities.

National Highways is advising motorists of two weekend closures to the M6 in January 2026: Friday, 2 to Monday, 5 January 2026; Friday, 9 to Monday, 12 January 2026. During these periods, the motorway will close in both directions between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, diversionary routes will be made available in due course.

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 and we are working closely with Network Rail to ensure everyone is kept right up to date as we approach the two weekend closures of the motorway at the beginning of next year.”

For more information or for updates about the project, visit the project’s website here.