Major disruption is expected on the M6 in Cumbria this weekend as a full motorway closure is scheduled to allow for the installation of a new bridge.
Full Closure Details and Timings
Both the northbound and southbound carriageways will be shut between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 at Penrith. The closure is set to begin at 8pm on Friday and will remain in force continuously until 5am on Monday morning.
National Highways is carrying out the work to install a replacement bridge over the motorway. Officials have thanked drivers for their cooperation during a similar closure last weekend, which saw reduced traffic volumes as many heeded advice to avoid the area.
Official Warnings and Diversion Routes
Steve Mason, National Highways programme delivery manager, has issued a fresh appeal to the public. "We are once again urging anyone thinking of driving through this part of Cumbria to postpone their plans if possible," he stated.
For those who must travel, the advice is clear:
- Check traffic and weather conditions before setting out.
- Stick strictly to the official diversion routes.
- Consider choosing alternative routes well away from the county if feasible.
Authorities reported some issues last weekend with drivers ignoring signed diversions, leading to problems in local villages and fixed penalty notices being issued.
Enhanced Police Presence for Closure
Cumbria Police will have additional resources in place throughout the weekend to manage the impact. Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick confirmed that the same policing response as last week will be deployed.
This includes extra Roads Policing Officers and Safety Camera Vans. Last weekend, this led to 44 pieces of enforcement activity. The police are working with National Highways and Westmorland and Furness Council to monitor traffic movements closely and minimise disruption to communities.
National Highways also noted that while collisions and breakdowns on diversion routes caused some delays last time, their own recovery agents were deployed to clear incidents as swiftly as possible.
