M6 Lowther Bridge
The bridge near Penrith that carries the M6 over the River Lowther needs extensive repairs. A major renovation project is underway to ensure the longevity of the structure for many years to come.
Latest updates
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14 April 2025
Overnight motorway closure for gully repairs
We’re carrying out emergency repairs on the M6 southbound between junction 40 and 39 tonight (14 April).
Our work involves replacing a collapsed gully in lane three on the M6, located within the current roadworks.
We need to complete the work quickly to ensure water continues draining off the motorway effectively.
Traffic management
To safely do our work, a full closure of the M6 southbound junction 40 to 39 will be in place on Monday 14 April from 10pm until 6am.
Drivers are asked to follow the clearly signed diversion via the A6.
We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience our essential work may cause motorists or residents.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England site. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
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17 March 2025
Safety critical bridge maintenance to start
We’re starting a major programme of repairs on Lowther Bridge near Penrith.
Our work involves replacing bridge expansion joints, waterproofing the bridge deck, resurfacing and repairing the central safety barrier.
We’re planning to start work on Monday 31 March 2025 and expect it will take around two years to complete.
If we do not act now, the risk is drivers and the community will suffer from unplanned motorway closures and regular delays.
To reduce disruption, we’re working with Network Rail’s nearby project at Clifton to share traffic management.
This means only a limited number of full motorway closures are needed and ensures the M6 will be open for most of our work.
Roadworks to March 2027
Our vital repairs will be delivered using lane closures, narrow lanes and a 40mph speed limit.
Traffic management will be in place on a three-mile section of the M6 between junction 39 (Shap) and 40 (Penrith).
During the day, two lanes (of three) in both directions will always be running. At night-time, one lane both ways will be open for drivers.
A free vehicle recovery service for motorists in the event of a break will be operated throughout the scheme.
Overnight motorway closures
On a limited number of occasions, we’ll close one carriageway of the M6 overnight to safely install or change roadworks.
The first set of night-time (10pm to 6am) closures between junction 39 and 40 will take place on:
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April, northbound only
- Saturday 12 April and Saturday 17 May, southbound only
A clearly signed diversion via the A6 will be in operation during any road closure.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England site. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
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08 September 2023
Removal of roadworks
Environmental surveys on Lowther Bridge have delayed progress on the scheme.
We have therefore decided to halt work on the scheme and review our designs before restarting the work in 2024.
This will allow us to reopen the M6 motorway in full between junctions 39 and 40, and remove the speed restrictions currently in place.
We'll share more information on our plans to restart the scheme in the first half of 2024.
Project information
Overview
Lowther Bridge is situated near Penrith, just south of junction 40, and carries the M6 over the River Lowther.
It sits on a section of the M6 that acts as a gateway to some of the nation’s most treasured landmarks and the route is regularly voted the most beautiful stretch of motorway in the country.
Lowther Bridge is now over 50 years old and requires substantial repairs to ensure the longevity of the structure for many years to come.
Our work involves replacing the bridge’s expansion joints, waterproofing the bridge decks and improving drainage. We will also resurface the road and replace road markings on the bridge decks, further prolonging the life of the structure.
We’re carrying out these repairs to keep the network safe and operational, as well as improving journeys for our customers.
Benefits
We know millions of people rely on the M6 for business, leisure and visiting friends and family. These repairs will ensure that motorists continue to experience safe and reliable journeys along this part of the network for many years to come.
Our work will also reduce the number of reactive repairs on the bridge structure over the coming decade
Documents
Related Road projects
Traffic information
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