Major M6 disruption could hit your January travel plans as Clifton bridge replaced near Penrith
Drivers are being warned to expect major disruption on the M6 in early January as a key railway bridge over the motorway is replaced.
National Highways and Network Rail say the Clifton bridge, which carries the West Coast Main Line between junctions 39 and 40 near Penrith, has reached the end of its life.
As a result, it must be removed and replaced to ensure long-term safety and reliability on both road and rail routes.
To allow engineers to safely demolish the 60-year-old structure and install a new 137-metre bridge, the M6 will be fully closed in both directions on:
- 8pm Friday, January 2, 2026 to 5am Monday, January 5, 2026
- 8pm Friday, January 9, 2026 to 5am Monday, January 12, 2026
A National Highways spokesperson said: “We’re strongly urging drivers to avoid this section of the M6 and use other routes.
“If that’s not possible, please plan ahead and allow extra time or consider retiming your trip.”
Signed diversion routes will be in place, but significant delays are expected throughout both weekends.
Network Rail says the replacement is essential to protect the reliability of the West Coast Main Line - one of the country’s busiest rail routes.
A 16-day rail closure between December 31, 2025 and January 15, 2026 will also take place while the new structure is installed.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re replacing the railway bridge at Clifton to make journeys safer and more reliable for years to come.
“The bridge is about 60 years old and has reached the end of its life.”
They added: “Some disruption is expected, but we’re working closely with our partners to keep you informed and reduce the impact where we can.”
Preparatory work began earlier this year, with lane closures on both sides of the M6 continuing into 2026 to allow engineers safe access to the site.
National Highways said the upgrade would “ensure safe and reliable journeys for many years to come” and reduce the number of emergency repairs and unplanned closures in the future.
Motorists are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and monitor travel updates as the closure dates approach.