M6 closures as repairs to river bridge continue

9 hours ago

News image — The two-year project to repair Lowther Bridge started in March last year

National Highways The Lowther Bridge runs over the River Lowther and is supported by arches. The photo has been taken on a sunny day. — The two-year project to repair Lowther Bridge started in March last year

A section of the M6 is to close overnight as repair works to a river bridge continue.

The M6 will shut in both directions - between junction 39 and junction 40 south of Penrith - for the next three consecutive weekends from 22:00 to 06:00 BST to install bridge joints on Lowther Bridge.

National Highways said signed diversion routes would be in place via the A6 with the northbound carriageway closing on 8, 15 and 22 August, and the southbound carriageway shutting on 9, 16 and 23 August.

The project, which started in March 2025, includes concrete repairs to both the deck superstructure and substructure, full re-waterproofing and resurfacing, and renewing the central reservation barrier.

National Highways project manager Sam Whitfield previously said the bridge was a "vital part of the M6 infrastructure".

"If we do not act now, the risk is motorists will suffer from unplanned closures of the M6 and regular delays to journeys," he said.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen to Radio Cumbria on BBC Sounds.