Network Rail is inviting the local community to find out more about next year’s major work to rebuild the Clifton railway bridge which crosses the M6 near Penrith.
More than £60 million is being invested to replace the bridge that takes the West Coast Main Line over the motorway.
The 60-year-old bridge has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
Work to demolish and replace the structure will take place in January 2026. However, the team are already on site in Clifton to prepare for the work.
Residents are invited to find out more at an event on Monday 31 March at Clifton Primary School, CA10 2EG. From 6pm – 8:30pm, the project team from Network Rail and National Highways will be available to answer any questions about the work.
Olivia Boland, Network Rail’s sponsor for the project, said: “We are rebuilding Clifton bridge over the M6 to keep rail passengers and motorway users safe for years to come. This project is essential as the bridge has reached the end of its life.
“The main work, which involves rail and road closures, is not happening until January 2026. However, we want to give people living in the Clifton area the opportunity to meet us as we prepare for the project and ask any questions they may have.
“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. I hope to see you at our event on 31 March.”
Network Rail is working with National Highways to manage the road diversions during the work. National Highways is also building a temporary access road to the site compound so the preparation work can be carried out.
Steve Mason, programme delivery manager for National Highways, said: “Clifton bridge is a critical piece of the UK’s railway infrastructure. Anyone attending next week’s event at Clifton Primary School can find out how we’re working hard alongside our counterparts in Network Rail to ensure the bridge is replaced safely but with as little inconvenience to motorway users and local residents as possible.”
To facilitate the major work there is traffic management in place on the M6, starting approximately three miles south of Junction 40.
In January 2026, the railway will be closed for two weeks so the bridge can be demolished and replaced over two weekends. Network Rail is working with train operators to plan what alternative transport options will be available during this time.
The M6 will be closed over two weekends in January 2026. Between the evening of Friday 2 January and the morning of Monday 5 January 2026 and the evening of Friday 9 January and the morning of Monday 12 January, the motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith.
Image credit: Network Rail