Drivers have been warned to expect disruptions this weekend as a section of a major motorway closes for crucial repair works, with new 40mph limits being put in place.
It comes as a bridge carrying the M6 over the River Lowther near Penrith in Cumbria prepares to close this weekend, with subsequent closures planned until the project completes in 2027.
The two-year project, which started this week, will see the northbound carriageway closed between Junction 39 and Junction 40 from 10pm to 6am this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday nights (April 5 and 6).
From Monday (April 7), the northbound carriageway will be reduced to two lanes with the hard shoulder and lane one closed, leaving drivers to use only lanes two and three.
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The bridge will operate as 40mph only until 2027 when the project is completed
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS/GETTY
Meanwhile, the southbound M6 will be closed between Junction 40 and Junction 39 from 10pm to 6am each night on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13.
From Monday, April 14, the southbound carriageway will be reduced to two lanes with the hard shoulder and lane one closed; drivers will, however, be able to use lanes two and three.
During both weekend overnight carriageway closures, National Highways has put a diversion in operation between Junction 39 and Junction 40 using the parallel A6.
The closure will allow the agency to repair both the deck superstructure and substructure along the bridge deck, including full re-waterproofing of concrete, resurfacing and renewing the central reservation barrier.
National Highways project manager Sam Whitfield said: "Lowther Bridge is a vital part of the M6 infrastructure in this part of the motorway network, and this significant maintenance and repair project will ensure it continues to serve motorway users for many years to come.
"If we do not act now, the risk is motorists will suffer from unplanned closures of the M6 and regular delays to journeys."
Bridge joints, which are mechanisms in the carriageway that allow the bridge to expand or contract in different weather conditions, will also be replaced during the project.
The agency noted that despite the disruptions, the motorway will remain open at all times, with drivers urged to check the latest travel advice before setting off.
As the two-year project kicks off, drivers have been warned they will need to adhere to the new 40mph speed limit with free recovery in place during the period.
The traffic management is being shared with Network Rail, which is working to replace Clifton Bridge, almost a mile south of Lowther Bridge and which carries the important west coast mainline over the motorway.
Whitfield shared: "While this is not a quick project we’re doing all we can to minimise any inconvenience to commuters, hauliers, holiday makers and other motorway users - including coordinating activities and sharing traffic management with Network Rail who’ll also be in the area working to replace nearby Clifton bridge over the next 18 months."
The investment aims to ensure the longevity of the bridge, which, following the repair works, will extend its lifeline for a further 120 years.
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The M6 bridge restructure will cause lane closures on certain junctions of the motorway
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
National Highways warned that without this vital maintenance, the bridge could collapse, causing unplanned closures and regular delays in the future.
