Major Update to M6 Lune Gorge Scheme Following Engagement with Local Community
A key bridge that spans the M6 in Cumbria will remain fully open when major motorway upgrade work begins, following engagement with the local community.
The M6 Lune Gorge scheme will repair seven bridges across a six-mile stretch of the M6 motorway, between junctions 37 and 38, that runs through the stunning Lune Gorge. Seven of the bridges support the M6 itself, while the previously included eighth bridge carries the A685 over the motorway.
National Highways has announced that the structure carrying the A685, known as Lawtland House Bridge, has been deferred from immediate works as part of the project, ensuring local communities continue to be connected to each other and can cross the M6 via the bridge while the works are taking place.
The structure’s defects are not as critical as the other structures in the scheme, and priorities have shifted to focus on the seven bridges that carry the M6 through the Lune Gorge.
Adam Williams, Programme Manager for National Highways, said: “Lawtland House Bridge is the only bridge that goes over the M6 in the scheme and runs consecutively with the Roger Howe Bridge, which is owned by the local authority.
“It is still part of the long-term work, but we are deferring maintenance on this structure and are now turning our priorities to the bridges that carry the M6, where work is vital. We have also listened to the concerns of the local community regarding this bridge as a crucial link road in the region, which was also a factor in our decision to prioritise the bridges that carry the M6 itself.”
Preparatory work has begun on the Lune Gorge scheme, with traffic management measures put into place and vegetation clearing carried out to enable National Highways teams to safely reach the bridges.
The main work is due to start in Spring 2027 when the entire top deck of the motorway on the bridges will be replaced, initially southbound, followed by work on the northbound. The work is expected to be completed in 2031.
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, mean the bridge decks of the bridges need to be replaced to ensure road users continue to have safe and reliable journeys in the future.
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 repair work will ensure the bridges can continue to provide a vital connection between the north and south of the United Kingdom.
Adam Williams added: “The Lune Gorge section of the M6 opened 50 years ago 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, with the lifespan of the new bridge decks estimated to be more than 120 years.”
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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