Concerns raised over impact road closure may have on Cumbrian community

According to the National Highways Agency the eight bridges that carry the M6 and A685 over the Lune Gorge in Cumbria are rapidly reaching the end of their serviceable life.

They're website states that they are going to carry out essential maintenance to improve the lifespan of these bridges, so they can continue to serve as a vital connection between the north and south of the United Kingdom. 

The scheme is all within a six-mile stretch of the M6 motorway between junctions 37 and 38. Seven of the bridges support the M6 itself, while the other carries the A685 over it.

National Highways is looking to carry out some preparation work next year before main construction work gets under way in 2027.

However concerns have been raised by an MP over the impact that closures of motorway junction 38 (in one direction at a time) and the A685 may have on the surrounding towns and their businesses.

MP Tim Farron says: "We know they (bridges) need making safe, but it's not right that the communities of tebay, Orton, Greyrigg, Ravendale, Kirkby stephen should have to pay a massive penalty during that work.

"It's not right they should have to pay a massive penalty during that work. The current proposals would close junction 38, either northbound or southbound, for a whole 4 years.

"These are going to have a huge impact, we think it will cost the community 12 million pounds just through that period, that's why we're demanding that National Highways thinks again.

"While they are doing this work they should maintain that access at all time to the motorway from Tebay but also access from Kendal to Tebay."

A spokesman for National Highways said: "We are aware of concerns over planned closures on the M6 in Cumbria and are in regular contact with local MPs and partners.

"These works are vital to improve safety – and we will look to reduce disruption as much as possible when main work starts in two years."