A 40mph speed limit currently in place for roadworks will be removed ahead of the M6’s closure this weekend.
National Highways will close the M6 in both directions from Junction 39 at Shap to Junction 40 at Penrith from 8pm today as work continues to replace the Clifton rail bridge.
Ongoing roadworks between Junction 40 and Center Parcs will be removed today to help with the flow of traffic around Penrith.
National Highways said: “The speed limit is in place currently to protect road users and our workforce accessing sites along the route.
“But over the weekend our staff won’t be working so we’re able to remove them safely.”
The roadworks will be put back in place on Tuesday January 13.
The M6 closure between Junction 39 at Shap and Junction 40 at Penrith runs from today, Friday January 9 from 8pm until Monday, January 12 at 5am.
Three main diversion routes for through traffic will be in place:
- Northbound drivers leaving the M6 at junction 39 to join the A6 – rejoining the M6 at junction 40 via Kemplay roundabout
- Southbound HGVs leaving the M6 at junction 40 and being diverted onto the A1(M) at Scotch Corner via the eastbound A66
- Other southbound drivers leaving at junction 40 diverted along the eastbound A66 to Brough and joining the southbound A685 to rejoin the M6 at junction 38 at Tebay via Kirkby Stephen
As with last weekend – and again depending on traffic volumes – the A6 will be available as a shorter and more direct diversion to southbound drivers during overnight periods on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Drivers are urged by National Highways to stick to the diversion routes.
