The Conservative Party’s Shadow Transport Minister visited Cumbria to discuss National Highways’ plans to replace bridges on the M6.
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.The plans have caused outrage.
Over 5,500 people signed a petition, organised by Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron, against the plans.
Earlier this month the Conservative MP Richard Holden visited Tebay to discuss the issue.
He was joined by Mike Starkie, Conservative mayoral candidate, James Alexander, chairman of the Westmorland & Lonsdale Conservative Association, members of the association, Paul Cornthwaite, commercial director of Lyon Equipment and Paul Richardson, leader of Kirkby Stephen Town Council.
Nabil Subul, managing director of The Westmorland Family Group, which runs Tebay Services, gave a detailed presentation outlining the project’s potential impact.
It is feared the current plans could bring years of disruption to the area, with significant economic costs and the risk of increased traffic congestion through Kendal when motorway restrictions are in place.
Mr Richardson said communities like Kirkby Stephen relied heavily on passing traffic and raised concerns about the impact on local businesses, livestock transport, and emergency services.
All parties agreed that bridge maintenance was necessary for safety reasons, serious questions remain for National Highways and contractors Kier regarding why the project may take five or more years and whether all possible methods have been explored to minimise disruption.
Mr Holden said he would raise the issue in the House of Commons and seek further answers from National Highways and Kier.
