National Highways has kicked off 18 months of prep work so that it can upgrade eight bridges along a six-mile section of the M6 that runs through the Lune Gorge in Cumbria.
The bridges have been in use for over half a century. As part of a ‘once-in-a-lifetime facelift’, the eight bridges are expected to have their entire bridge decks removed and replaced, but National Highways states that it hopes to do this whilst ‘maintaining traffic flow in both directions’.
Deterioration of the structures, caused by increased traffic and heavier vehicles as well as road grit and water seeping into joints, has been captured by National Highways photography (above).
The preparatory works, which began this month, include:
- Installing a safety system between junctions 36 and 38
- Installing new road studs and refreshed road markings
- Adding central reservation signage to display a reduced speed limit of 50mph
- Introducing temporary barriers to protect workers and road users whilst work is ongoing.
This is intended to allow National Highways to ‘strengthen the hard shoulder to carry full traffic loads’, as well as resurface and reinforce the existing carriageway and install supports in the central reservation.
The main bulk of the bridge deck replacement is then expected to start in spring 2027 and last for four years until 2031.
When asked by Highways about the cost of the work, National Highways stated that it was still in the final design stage of the project and is therefore still working with suppliers to ‘confirm the estimated cost range’.
Adam Williams, National Highways programme manager, said: ‘The Lune Gorge section of the M6 is around 55 years old this year and the rise in traffic volumes since it opened has taken its toll.
‘Futureproofing it now will enhance safety for motorway users and reduce the cost and disruption of unplanned maintenance and emergency repairs, ensuring this section of the M6 plays a key role in connecting businesses and communities across the north and beyond for decades to come.’
Image credit: National Highways
