A programme of public information events is continuing across communities in and around Penrith as preparations intensify for two planned M6 Cumbria weekend closures in January. The closures support the demolition and replacement of Clifton Bridge, which carries the West Coast Mainline over the motorway, forming a critical interface between rail and road infrastructure delivery.
The M6 will be closed in both directions between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 at Penrith from 8pm on Friday to 5am on Monday for the first two weekends of January. The closures enable Network Rail to complete major works on Clifton Bridge safely and efficiently, while National Highways coordinates traffic management and diversion strategies. This approach reflects established digital construction and asset management practices, ensuring infrastructure interventions are planned with minimal risk to users and surrounding communities.
National Highways and Network Rail are jointly issuing regular updates ahead of the motorway closures. Approximately 23,000 information leaflets are being delivered to residents, providing details on diversion routes, access arrangements, and expected impacts. This communication strategy aligns with best practice in digital construction projects, where early stakeholder engagement and transparent data-sharing underpin successful delivery.
Public information and meet-the-team drop-in events are taking place throughout December, allowing residents, businesses, and local services to engage directly with project teams. Events are being held at the Rheged Centre in Penrith on 23, 24, 29, and 30 December, and at Kirkby Stephen Methodist Church on 22 December. Project managers from both National Highways and Network Rail will attend, offering clarity on construction sequencing, traffic management plans, and community access during the M6 closures.
Traffic management
Steve Mason, National Highways’ programme delivery manager, said: “We are working hard on a traffic management plan which will keep diverted traffic out of local villages and ensure everyone sticks to the official diversion routes. At the same time we want to ensure local people and services can access their own communities and experience as little disruption as possible.
“These public information events are an opportunity to find out more about the project and ask any questions about traffic management and other arrangements for the two weekend motorway closures.”
A core principle of the traffic management strategy is keeping through traffic on defined diversion routes and away from local villages. Three primary diversion routes will operate, with northbound and southbound traffic using separate corridors. Northbound drivers will use the A6 from junction 39, rejoining the M6 at junction 40 via Kemplay roundabout. Southbound HGVs will leave at junction 40 and divert via the A66 eastbound to the A1(M) at Scotch Corner. Other southbound traffic will use the A66 to Brough, then the A685 to rejoin the M6 at junction 38 near Tebay.
To support traffic flow, temporary arrangements will operate at Skirsgill and Kemplay roundabouts. National Highways will also work with Cumbria Police throughout both weekends to support safety, compliance, and network performance.
Through early engagement, coordinated traffic management, and collaborative planning, National Highways and Network Rail aim to deliver rail upgrades while maintaining safety, accessibility, and resilience across Cumbria.
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