Major M6 motorway closures near Penrith planned in January that could affect New Year travel
Drivers are being warned to plan ahead as major closures on the M6 motorway are set to take place in early January, potentially affecting New Year travel plans.
National Highways and Network Rail have confirmed that the Clifton railway bridge, which carries the West Coast Main Line over the M6 between junctions 39 and 40 near Penrith, is being replaced after reaching the end of its operational life.
The bridge, which is around 60 years old, must be removed and replaced to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of both the motorway and the rail line.
To allow engineers to demolish the existing structure and install a new 137-metre bridge, the M6 will be fully closed in both directions during planned closures in early January:
- 8pm Friday, January 2, 2026 to 5am Monday, January 5, 2026
- 8pm Friday, January 9, 2026 to 5am Monday, January 12, 2026
Drivers are being advised to avoid the area where possible.
A spokesperson for National Highways said motorists should plan journeys carefully, warning of significant disruption.
They said: “We’re strongly urging drivers to avoid this section of the M6 and use other routes.
“If that’s not possible, please plan ahead and allow extra time or consider retiming your trip.”
Signed diversion routes will be in place during the closures, but delays are expected, particularly during peak travel periods.
Network Rail said the work is essential to protect the future reliability of the West Coast Main Line, one of the busiest rail routes in the country.
A 16-day rail closure is also scheduled to take place between December 31, 2025 and January 15, 2026, while the new bridge is installed.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re replacing the railway bridge at Clifton to make journeys safer and more reliable for years to come.
“The bridge has reached the end of its life and needs to be renewed.”
They added that while disruption is unavoidable, work is being carried out in close coordination with partners to minimise the impact on road and rail users.
Preparatory work has been ongoing throughout 2025, with lane closures on both sides of the M6 expected to continue into 2026 to allow engineers safe access to the site.
Motorists are being urged to monitor travel updates, allow extra time for journeys and plan alternative routes as the January closures approach.