Major Engineering Work Planned at Clifton (Cumbria) to Replace WestCoast Mainline Bridge Over M6 - Jan 2026

[61653 HTAFC]

The M25's got 4 lanes through that viaduct but they feel rather tight as they do squeeze through! I'm not sure if they do drop below the standard motorway width or it's just a trick of the light. Google maps says the width at the viaduct is 2m narrower than just north of it.

Mind you, it didn't always work out - there's a (now abandoned) viaduct in Bristol that has a pier directly in what would be a traffic lane! (granted a 2-lane road not a motorway) https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Wswx6HbJEZaes186

I was being a bit facetious as I'm sure you're aware. There are 4 lanes per direction at the M25 viaduct now, but there were originally 3.

 

[zwk500]

I was being a bit facetious as I'm sure you're aware. There are 4 lanes per direction at the M25 viaduct now, but there were originally 3.

I was indeed, I was remarking that the Victorians were even able to future proof better than the M25's designers for the M25, so though I'd balance it out with one they didn't get so good. As you mention, it was 3 lanes + hard shoulder through each span, now 4 lanes with no hard shoulder (briefly).

 

[voyagerdude220]

The will get route conducted.

Do you think it's likely some trains will be diverted over the S&C?

 

[AndrewE]

Do you think it's likely some trains will be diverted over the S&C?

it's the only practicable route - if they do that at all.

 

[The Planner]

Do you think it's likely some trains will be diverted over the S&C?

Its got further than it ever has before. We'll see.

 

[DynamicSpirit]

M6 Northbound traffic will be routed onto the A6 at Junction 39 (through to the A66 at Kemplay Bank roundabout and hence back to the M6 at Junction 40). The traffic lights at Eamont Bridge won't be on and it won't be possible to go across Kemplay Bank towards Penrith. Southbound traffic will come off the M6 at Junction 40 and routed onto the A66 and eventually over towards Kirby Lonsdale (so the A6 from Shap through to Penrith will be one way). Us locals will have permits to allow us to use the various side roads so we can get about (to an extent at least). It'll be a bit like how it is when Kendal Calling is on.

Do you mean Kirkby Stephen, not Kirkby Lonsdale? Kirkby Lonsdale seems rather far South for this diversion.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Its got further than it ever has before. We'll see.

Interesting! Thanks.
It's a shame Avanti no longer have 221s, they could've just run say pairs of 221s shuttling between Preston and Carlisle every few hours to supplement the replacement busses/TPE if they also divert.

 

[Skiddaw]

Do you mean Kirkby Stephen, not Kirkby Lonsdale? Kirkby Lonsdale seems rather far South for this diversion.

Yes- Kirkby Stephen. Sorry- slip of the pen.