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.

Start date May 2023
End date October 2023
Cost

Latest updates

  • 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.

    To safely reopen every lane of the motorway we'll need to temporarily close the M6 northbound carriageway between junctions 39 and 40 overnight, from 8pm to 6am, on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September 2023.

    A full southbound closure between junctions 39 and 40 will be in place overnight on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 September 2023.

    During the overnight closures, the A6 will be the designated diversion route and will be fully signposted. This will ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

    We'll share more information on our plans to restart the scheme in the first half of 2024.

  • 16 June 2023

    Survey works

    Repair works to Lowther Bridge have been paused to allow for additional survey works.

    These surveys will enable us to further understand and mitigate the environmental impact of our essential maintenance work on the bridge.

    To ensure journeys remain safe and efficient, we will continue to use traffic management measures on the M6 between junctions 39 and 40 while survey works are conducted.

    In total, 2.5-miles of the M6 will be operating with two narrow lanes of traffic running in both directions.

    We are doing all we can to complete this environmental assessment work and restart our repair works as soon as possible.

    We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience our roadworks may cause.

  • 10 May 2023

    Overnight closures

    To safely implement traffic management measures on the M6 ahead of repair work to Lowther Bridge, we will need a series of overnight carriageway closures between junctions 39 and 40 of the M6.

    All overnight closures will take place between the hours of 8pm and 6am.

    The northbound carriageway from junction 39 to 40 will be closed on the following nights:

    • Monday 15 May
    • Tuesday 16 May
    • Wednesday 17 May
    • Wednesday 24 May

    The southbound carriageway from junction 40 to 39 will be closed on the following nights:

    • Thursday 18 May
    • Friday 19 May
    • Tuesday 23 May

    Please follow the signed diversion route when overnight closures are in effect.

  • 26 April 2023

    Essential bridge repairs planned

    Lowther Bridge is now over 50 years old and requires substantial repairs to ensure the longevity of the structure for many years to come.

    We will start essential repair work on Monday 15 May 2023 and expect our work to take five months to complete.

    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.

    To safely carry out these repairs we will need to use a contraflow system on a one-mile section of the M6 between junctions 39 and 40. In total, 2.5-miles of the M6 will be operating with two lanes of traffic running in both directions while this essential repair work takes place.

    A reduced speed limit of 40mph will be in effect along this section of the M6 and free vehicle recovery will be in operation on both carriageways. There will also be signed restrictions for abnormal loads.

    We will also need to enact several overnight closures of the M6 from junction 39 to junction 40 between May and October 2023. These overnight closures will be publicised in advance on this webpage.

    We’re making these repairs and improvements to ensure we keep the network safe and operational, as well as improving journeys for our customers. Our work will also reduce the number of reactive repairs on the structure over the coming decade.

    We know roadworks can cause frustration and we would like to apologise in advance for any disturbance our work may cause you.

See more updates

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.

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

A66 Northern Trans-Pennine

M6 Lune Gorge structures

Traffic information

Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.

Contact us

0300 123 5000

X

Sign up for updates!

Keep up to date with what's happening on this scheme by signing up to our updates.

Find out more

Feedback