According to Network Rail, the M6 will be closed in both directions between junction 39 (Shap) and junction 40 (Penrith) from 8pm on Friday 9 January until 5am on Monday 12 January 2026. The closure is needed to allow the safe demolition and installation of the new bridge as part of a £60m project that started in January 2025 and is due to finish in June 2026.
Network Rail is warning drivers and haulage operators to expect major disruption throughout the weekend and is strongly advising them to avoid the area where possible. Where journeys cannot be delayed, careful planning will be essential.
What drivers need to know
- Full M6 closure: both directions closed between junctions 39 and 40
- Duration: Friday 9 January (8pm) to Monday 12 January (5am)
- Reason: replacement of the West Coast Main Line bridge over the motorway
HGV diversions: long but unavoidable
M6 junction 40 roundabout temporary layout by National Highways
Southbound HGV drivers will face the greatest impact during daytime hours. Because of a narrow section of the A6 and a low bridge on the A685, southbound HGVs must follow a signed diversion via the A66, A1(M) and M62 between 5am and 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Network Rail has acknowledged that this diversion is lengthy. To ease pressure on freight traffic, the A6 southbound is expected to reopen overnight (8pm–5am), subject to traffic levels.
Local road restrictions and junction changes
Additional traffic management will be in place around Penrith:
- At the A66 Kemplay Bank roundabout, traffic signals will be switched off and temporary layouts introduced
- No access to the A6 southbound during daytime hours at the weekend; overnight reopening planned if traffic allows
- Access from Bridge Lane (A6) and Carleton Avenue (A686) will be closed from Friday night to Monday morning
- At M6 junction 40, permanent traffic lights will be turned off and replaced with temporary signals
- Entry from Ullswater Road (A592) will be closed during daytime hours on Saturday and Sunday, with diversions via Mile Lane and Newbiggin
