Home / Disasters and Accidents / M6 Reopens Early After Speedy Bridge Swap
M6 Reopens Early After Speedy Bridge Swap
12 Jan
Summary
- A new railway bridge was installed on the M6 near Penrith.
- The M6 closure between junctions 39 and 40 reopened early.
- The project was part of a £60m investment in the West Coast Main Line.

The M6 motorway has seen a significant section reopen earlier than anticipated, following the swift installation of a new Clifton railway bridge near Penrith. This critical infrastructure upgrade, a component of a substantial £60m investment into the West Coast Main Line, was executed by Network Rail and Skanska.
The road closure, implemented between junctions 39 and 40 over the weekend, was originally scheduled to lift at 05:00 GMT on Monday. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of numerous personnel, the reopening occurred at 16:00, well ahead of the planned time.
Network Rail's North West and Central director, Christian Irwin, highlighted the intense effort involved, stating that hundreds of people contributed to the expedited installation of the new bridge structure. This successful and rapid replacement ensures minimal disruption and continues the enhancement of the vital West Coast Main Line.




