Major Disruption Expected in January with M6 Closures for Clifton Railway Bridge Replacement 

Network Rail's work to replace Clifton railway bridge is continuing to progress as planned but to safely demolish the existing bridge and replace it, the M6 will be full close in both directions between junction 39 and 40 from:

8pm Friday 2 to 5am Monday 5 January 2026

8pm Friday 9 to 5am Monday 12 January 2026

The WestCoast mainline will also be fully closed for 16 days from the 31st December.

Major traffic disruption is expected around the region across both weekends. National Highways are strongly urging drivers to avoid this section of the M6 and consider using other routes. 

If that’s unavoidable, plan ahead and allow extra time or consider retiming your trip. 

Ahead of the weekend closures, National Highways are hosting drop in sessions so you can find out more traffic management plans and ask any questions you may have.

Monday 1 December - Clifton Primary School, Clifton, CA10 2EG

6pm to 7.30pm.

Tuesday 2 December - Eamont Bridge village hall, Penrith, CA10 2BH

9.30am to 6.30pm.

Monday 8, Tuesday 9, Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 December - Rheged Centre, Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ

9.30am to 5pm each day. 

Wednesday 10 December - Tebay Methodist Church, Orton Road, Tebay, CA10 3XB

10am to 7pm.

Thursday 11 and Thursday 18 December - Kirkby Stephen Methodist Church, High Street, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4SG

10am to 7pm each day.

Saturday 13 December - engagement van session in Penrith, location to be confirmed

9am to 4pm.

Road layout changes will be in place at M6 junction 40 and A66 Kemplay Bank roundabout to keep traffic moving including rmoval of some traffic lights and traffic passing over not around Kemplay roundabout.

National Highways have said “All changes will be clearly signed. You should always follow the signs, not satnav directions. Avoid using local roads unless directed.”

“We'll maintain pedestrian access at all times. We’re working with bus operators to minimise disruption. “

“We'll share more details of road layout changes in the coming weeks.”

A vehicle Permit system will also be in operation to help keep M6 traffic on the diversion routes, access to some local roads will be restricted during weekend closures. 

Access for residents and businesses will be maintained by a permit system. 

Divers will need to clearly display permits on vehicle dashboards when using a restricted route.

The permits aren't road or location specific. They can only be used on routes signed ‘permit holders only.’

If you're eligible, you'll receive information about these permits directly from National Highways by Monday 15 December.