Drivers are warned about major disruption on the M6 in the new year as work to replace Clifton Bridge continues.
National Highways said work was on track to close the road over two weekends in January.
Network Rail is replacing the existing bridge, which is almost 60 years old, with a new £60 million structure.
No trains will run on the West Coast Main Line from Oxenholme to Carlisle between December 31 and January 15 2026 due to the work.
Drivers are warned to avoid the M6 from Junction 39 at Shap to Junction 40 at Penrith during the work.
The road will be closed in both directions from 8pm on Friday January 2 to Monday January 5 and 8pm on Friday January 9 to 5am on Monday January 12.
Road layout changes will be in place at M6 junction 40 and A66 Kemplay Bank roundabout.
Drivers are urged to follow signs and not sat nav.
National Highways said: “We’ll maintain pedestrian access at all times. We’re working with bus operators to minimise disruption.”
Local access
Access to some local roads will be restricted during weekend closures.
Access for residents and businesses will be maintained by a permit system.
Permits aren’t road or location specific. They can only be used on routes signed ‘permit holders only.’
If people are eligible, they will receive information about the permits directly by Monday December 15.
Information events
To find out more about the work, people can attend drop-in sessions organised by National Highways.
They will be held at:
- Monday December 1 – Clifton Primary School, Clifton, 6pm to 7.30pm.
- Tuesday December 2 – Eamont Bridge Village Hall, 9.30am to 6.30pm.
- Monday December 8, Tuesday December 9, Monday December 15 and Tuesday December 16 – Rheged, near Penrith, 9.30am to 5pm each day.
- Wednesday December 10 – Tebay Methodist Church, Orton Road, 10am to 7pm.
- Thursday December 11 and Thursday December 18 – Kirkby Stephen Methodist Church, 10am to 7pm each day.
- Saturday December 13 – engagement van session in Penrith, location to be confirmed, 9am to 4pm.
