Planned engineering works on the West Coast Main Line have included extensive works to Clifton Bridge near Penrith.

During October, the new steel structure was completed, and the bridge deck was completed in November.

The structure is ready to replace the existing 60-year-old structure, which is planned to begin on New Year’s Eve.

The installation will result in a motorway closure and a line closure between Oxenholme and Carlisle, with the railway closing until January 15th.

The M6 will be closed between Junction 39 and Junction 40 on two weekends, on the 2nd -5th January and the 9th – 12th January.

While the bridge is replaced, engineers will also work on overhead power cable replacement, and other work on signalling systems will be carried out.

Passengers should plan ahead and check before they travel to see a full list of the disruptions.

“This is a vital project which will improve journeys for passengers for decades to come. 

“While we close the railway to replace the M6 bridge, we’ll also be renewing more than 80 kilometres of overhead lines and continuing our major modernisation of signalling systems. We appreciate passengers’ patience while this work is completed, and I would urge anyone planning to travel in this period to check National Rail Enquiries in advance.”

William Brandon, Network Rail’s project manager