Images show scale of work needed on M6 Lune Gorge bridges
Images released by National Highways today show the scale of work required as part of a major facelift of one of the country’s most iconic stretches of motorway.
National Highways is planning to replace eight bridges along the stunning six-mile section of the M6 through Lune Gorge in Cumbria, between junctions 37 and 38 at Tebay.
These images show the deterioration underneath the structures, caused by increased traffic volumes and heavier vehicles over the last 50 years, as well as road grit and water penetrating the bridge joints.
A bridge deck is the surface of a bridge and a key structural element of the bridge itself.
As they reach the end of their serviceable life, this once-in-a-lifetime facelift will ensure the bridges can continue to provide a vital connection between the north and south of the United Kingdom.
Adam Williams, National Highways Programme Manager, said:
“The Lune Gorge section of the M6 is around 55 years old this year and the rise in traffic volumes since it opened has taken its toll.
“Futureproofing it now will enhance safety for motorway users and reduce the cost and disruption of unplanned maintenance and emergency repairs, ensuring this section of the M6 plays a key role in connecting businesses and communities across the north and beyond for decades to come.”
The bridges carry the M6 as it snakes through the gorge. The huge structures range from 46 metres to 142 metres in length with heights of between 5 metres and 17 metres.
Before main construction work starts in 2027, National Highways is carrying out preparatory work.
Mr Williams said: “When the main work begins, our aim is to cause as little disruption as possible. That’s why we are working with local communities and businesses nearby to limit the impact.
“Before then, and over the next two years, we’ll be carrying out preparatory works. These activities, which began this month (August), are essential to help us prepare the road, manage risks and protect the environment, ensuring everything is in place to carry out the scheme safely and efficiently.”
Before narrow lanes are introduced, a safety system is being installed this month between junctions 36 and 38, including CCTV, an average speed camera and variable message signs so that traffic can be monitored and work carried out safely.
Next month (September) will see the installation of road studs and refreshed lines to improve visibility and safety, and new central reservation signage to display a reduced speed limit of 50mph, and temporary barriers to protect road users and the workforce.
This will require overnight closures northbound from 1 September for approximately six nights, and southbound from 8 September for around two nights. Road users travelling in either direction will be diverted between junctions 39 and 36 via Kendal, using the A6, A591 and A590.
To safely carry out the work, the hard shoulder and inside lane on the northbound carriageway will remain closed between Borrowbeck and Galloper Well, just after junctions 37 to 38, with two lanes remaining open to traffic for the foreseeable future.
On the southbound carriageway, traffic will mostly run as normal, except for a one mile stretch after junction 38 where only two lanes will be open. There may also be occasional closures of the hard shoulder and lane 1 as required.
Mr Williams added:
“Undertaking the work now, will help us to strengthen the hard shoulder to carry full traffic loads, resurface and reinforce the existing carriageway and install supports in the central reservation. It will also enable us to add netting to stabilise nearby rock faces and install a new vehicle restraint safety barrier.
“The main works will begin in spring 2027, and will be an enormous task, which will see the whole bridge decks removed and replaced whilst maintaining traffic flow in both directions on this strategic part of the motorway network.”
Anyone interested in the scheme can sign up for regular email updates via the dedicated scheme website. Alternatively, they can follow the project on Facebook (National Highways: North-West) or on X (@HighwaysNWEST). Anyone with specific questions can also email the project team at M6lunegorge@nationalhighways.co.uk.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
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