Major motorway used by 50,000 drivers every day to close for 70-year-old bridge to be demolished and replaced
MOTORISTS have been warned to expect delays as a major motorway used by thousands is set to be demolished.
The hugely popular 70-year-old bridge is to be replaced, forcing the 50,000 drivers using it daily to be subject to potential traffic and diversions.
Lane closures will start popping up on the M6 in Cumbria as the bridge is prepared to be replaced.
The railway bridge has been in use for seven decades and is finally being taken down and renewed.
Major roadworks will commence this month causing large disruptions on the three-mile stretch south of Junction 40 near Penrith.
National Highways has put in traffic management measures to curb congestion ahead of the vital £60million project.
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As it stands, the bridge can support just one train at a time which is said to cause long waiting times for passengers and freight services.
Network Rail stated the renewed bridge is essential as the current one has reached the end of its life.
The bridge is said to be demolished and rebuilt in astonishingly fast time - only two weeks.
In preparation, Network Rail engineers have already arrived at the site to plan the works despite it not going ahead until January 2026.
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When the project fully commences there will be a reduced number of lanes on the northbound M6.
This is to ensure construction workers can safely go to and from the work site.
Other safety measures will also be implemented to provide safe access and traffic management will be introduced throughout the project.
When 2026 finally comes around, drivers should keep an eye out for the slew of closures set to take place.
A closure will take place on the evening of January 2 until the morning of January 5.
The weekend following, there will be closures from January 9 to January 12.
The sparkling new bridge will span 135m across the M6 and provide a much-needed revamp to the Cumbrian structure.
Network Rail sponsor Olivia Boland said: "This project is essential as the bridge has reached the end of its life.
"We're working with National Highways to make sure we can carry out our work as safely as possible with as little inconvenience to local people and the travelling public."
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Steve Mason, National Highways programme delivery manager, added: "This is an essential Network Rail project to secure the future of one of the most important railway lines in the country.
"We'll be working closely with Network Rail throughout to keep motorway users and local people up to date with developments."