14 weeks of narrow lanes and overnight closures along the M6 as bridge repairs set to start on Saturday (April17)

More than three months of repairs to a motorway bridge along the M6 are set to start on Saturday, April 17, 2021.
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The bridge north of Preston which crosses the M6 at Barnacre and links farmland on either side of the motorway, was struck by an HGV in July 2018.

The force of the crash caused serious structural damage to one of the support columns and Highways chiefs feared that the bridge would collapse.

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Urgent repairs were made to secure the structure, leading to huge delays on the M6 between junctions 32 (Broughton) and 33 (Galgate).

Highways have planned 14 weeks of repairs with work expected to begin on Saturday, April 17Highways have planned 14 weeks of repairs with work expected to begin on Saturday, April 17
Highways have planned 14 weeks of repairs with work expected to begin on Saturday, April 17

The damaged concrete column was removed and replaced with a temporary steel support which has remained in place since.

Highways had planned to commence work to replace the steel support in Autumn last year, but this was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, three years on from the incident, the support will be replaced by a new permanent support column to ensure the long-term safety of the bridge.

This is when to expect disruption along the M6

The access bridge, which crosses the M6 at Barnacre and links farmland on either side of the motorway, was struck by a lorry in July 2018.The access bridge, which crosses the M6 at Barnacre and links farmland on either side of the motorway, was struck by a lorry in July 2018.
The access bridge, which crosses the M6 at Barnacre and links farmland on either side of the motorway, was struck by a lorry in July 2018.
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From Saturday, April 17, motorists can expect temporary narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit to be in place on the southbound carriageway.

Highways has also confirmed that full overnight closures of the M6 southbound, between junctions 33 and 32, will be necessary to carry out the repairs.

The closures are planned to take place from April 17 until April 20, between 9pm and 5am to limit disruption.

Will diversions be in place?

Yes, localised signed diversion routes will be in place, with motorists being diverted via the A6.

When will the bridge repairs be completed?

The work which is expected to take up to 14 weeks to complete, continuing until late July.

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