A Cumbrian MP’s campaign has convinced National Highways to undertake a review of plans to close a junction on the M6 for up to four years while work is carried out.
National Highways will replace eight deteriorating bridges and Junction 38, near Tebay, will be closed southbound for 18 months, and then northbound for 18 months while essential work is carried out to repair bridges at the Lune Gorge.
Westmorland & Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said there were fears that the proposal would damage the communities of Tebay, Orton, Kirkby Stephen, and surrounding villages.
Last night, Mr Farron led an Adjournment Debate on the floor of the House of Commons on the need to build temporary slip roads.
During the debate, he said that the current plan would devastate local businesses.
He said their models were often completely reliant on proximity to the M6 and the junctions north and south.
He said: “I have a high regard for so many of the people I work with from National Highways, but from the beginning of this project there has been a failure to consider the community and the Cumbrian economy.
“Now that National Highways is being called to account and asked serious questions, it seems as though excuses are being made rather than solutions being explored.
“Local businesses commissioned the well-respected motorway highways consultants BWB, which produced a detailed feasibility study confirming that temporary slip roads are absolutely possible – indeed, they are straightforward if the order of bridge removals is slightly rearranged.
“National Highways rejected this proposal with, at best, a cursory assessment, and it has provided no credible reasons for doing so.
“On behalf of my communities in Westmorland, my first ask is that the minister looks at the proposals himself, takes independent expert advice from his officials, and at the same time instructs National Highways to properly, formally consider the temporary slip roads – to make certain that these very credible plans are properly evaluated.”
Minister for Roads Simon Lightwood paid tribute to Tim’s campaigning on the issue.
He said: “I note the honourable gentleman’s commitment not only in securing the debate but through his wider engagement with National Highways and the Government on this matter.
“He is a strong advocate for his constituents, businesses and local road users. While recognising the need for the M6 Lune Gorge scheme, he has campaigned extensively to minimise the impact on his constituency.”
The minister also said that National Highways have now committed to conducting a comprehensive review into proposals for temporary slip roads at Junction 38.
He added: “National Highways has committed to a detailed feasibility review of the information produced by that consultancy company.
“The review is under way and will consider the impact on road users and the costs of the scheme, and with consideration of local communities.
“The review is expected to conclude by January 2026 and National Highways has committed to provide the outcome of this work by the end of January.
“I look forward to receiving the report, alongside the honourable member and other stakeholders.”
