One of the most popular motorways in the UK is set to undergo a major transformation for the first time in over 50 years with drivers warned to expect delays.
Eight bridge deck structures along the M6 through Lune Gorge in Cumbria will be replaced as part of an extensive facelift programme.
The project by National Highways will impact the six-mile section between junction 37 and junction 38 at Tebay and includes seven bridges carrying the M6 itself and one supporting the local A685 road.
The changes come after massive structures, which range from 46 to 142m in length and reach heights of up to 17m, are now showing their age after celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2020.
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M6 bridge has not been renovated in more than 50 years
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The bridges form a crucial part of the M6’s infrastructure, carrying thousands of vehicles daily through the Cumbrian landscape.
But now National Highways warned that the structures are “rapidly reaching the end of their serviceable life” due to unprecedented increases in traffic volume since their construction in 1970.
The heavy daily flow of cars, coaches, vans and HGVs has taken its toll on these vital transport links, the agency explained.
The refurbishment programme aims to future-proof the motorway, enhancing safety for users while reducing the need for costly emergency repairs in the future.
Ground investigations and surveys are already underway to prepare for the extensive renovation work, the agency stated.
National Highways will begin preparation work in 2025, with the main construction phase scheduled to start in 2027.
The project team plans to host a series of “meet the team” events in 2025 to keep local residents informed about the developments.
The ambitious refurbishment programme is expected to continue until winter 2030/2031, spanning approximately seven years from start to completion.
The bridge deck replacement work will involve updating the crucial surface areas where vehicles travel across the structures.
Lead contractor Kier has been appointed to deliver the project, with a focus on minimising disruption to motorway users and local communities.
Traffic management will likely involve a contraflow system, utilising the hard shoulder to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction.
This approach will allow work on all structures to proceed simultaneously, significantly reducing the project timeline.
A Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership study has concluded that the contraflow system should have minimal impact on congestion, logistics and tourism.
National Highways Senior Project Manager Khalid El-Rayes said: “Our delivery partners including Kier, RPS, Aecom, and Tony Gee, bring decades of experience in engineering and design, ensuring that we can deliver this project efficiently and safely.”
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The project will begin next year with work starting in 2027
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He added: “We’ve been working with them to develop design solutions to reduce the length of roadworks and number of closures.
By using specialist equipment we’ll be able to replace the bridge decks safely and more quickly than traditional construction methods.”
