National Highways has delayed repairs to a bridge crossing the M6 after consultations with residents, allowing it to shift its focus to more urgent works along the route.
The Lawtland House Bridge, which carries the A685 across the M6 motorway, was originally slated to undergo repairs along with seven other bridges carrying the M6 along a six-mile stretch of the motorway.
However, due to concerns raised by local communities and businesses about lengthy diversions and delays, National Highways has now postponed work on this structure until after the four-year-long scheme has been completed.
Deterioration underneath the structures, caused by increased traffic volumes and heavier vehicles over the last 50 years, as well as road grit and water penetrating the bridge joints, means the bridge decks need to be replaced in a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ project intended to ensure the structures remain usable and safe.
However, according to National Highways, the defects found on Lawtland House bridge are ‘not as critical’ as those found on other structures in the scheme, adding that its priorities ‘have shifted’ to the seven bridges that carry the M6 through the Lune Gorge.
Adam Williams, programme manager for National Highways, said: ‘Lawtland House Bridge is the only bridge that goes over the M6 in the scheme and runs consecutively with the Roger Howe Bridge, which is owned by the local authority.
‘It is still part of the long-term work, but we are deferring maintenance on this structure and are now turning our priorities to the bridges that carry the M6, where work is vital. We have also listened to the concerns of the local community regarding this bridge as a crucial link road in the region, which was also a factor in our decision to prioritise the bridges that carry the M6 itself.’
Preparatory work has begun on the Lune Gorge scheme, with the main work currently expected to start in Spring 2027 when the entire top deck of the motorway on the bridges will be replaced. The project will begin on the southbound carriageway, followed by the northbound. The work is expected to be completed in 2031.
