Table of Contents
- Temporary Shutdown of the Busiest Railway
- Bridge Demolition Details
- Expected Railway Disruptions
- Importance of the Project
THE busiest railway in Britain is set to temporarily shut down for demolition within a few hours.
This situation is unfortunate for anyone planning to travel on New Year’s Day, although the decision for this project was not made lightly.
Network Rail is scheduled to begin the demolition of an old bridge tomorrowCredit: Network Rail
Train journeys will experience disruptions as a resultCredit: Refer to source
In fact, engineers have dedicated 12 months to preparing and perfecting the large steel structure of a new bridge designed to carry the West Coast Main Line over the M6.
The existing bridge, Clifton Bridge, which is being demolished, is nearly 60 years old and can only support one train at a time due to weight limitations.
Replacing it with a brand-new bridge will enhance service efficiency and minimize delays, benefiting both safety and customer satisfaction.
The new bridge will be installed in collaboration with Skanska over a two-week period at the beginning of 2026.
Consequently, the M6 will be closed for two consecutive weekends, specifically:
- From 8pm on Friday, January 2, to 5am on Monday, January 5, 2026
- From 8pm on Friday, January 9, to 5am on Monday, January 12, 2026
During this time, the motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith.
In addition to the weekend closures, portions of the West Coast Main Line will not be operational in the North West, so it is essential to check your upcoming travel plans:
- January 1-4, 2026: The line will be closed through Preston, between Oxenholme and Carlisle, as well as Carlisle to Dumfries and Lockerbie.
- January 5-6, 2026: The line through Preston will be open; however, the railway between Oxenholme and Carlisle, and Carlisle to Dumfries and Lockerbie, will remain closed for work.
- January 7-14, 2026: The line north of Carlisle will be operational, but the railway between Oxenholme and Carlisle will be closed as work to replace Clifton Bridge continues until the early hours of January 15.
Discussing the significance of the project, Network Rail’s project manager William Brandon states: “This is a crucial project that will enhance journeys for passengers for many years to come.
“While we close the railway to replace the M6 bridge, we will also be renewing over 80 kilometers of overhead lines and advancing our major modernization of signaling systems.
“We appreciate passengers’ understanding as this work is carried out, and I encourage anyone planning to travel during this period to check National Rail Enquiries in advance.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the railway shutting down?
The railway is shutting down to facilitate the demolition of the old Clifton Bridge and the installation of a new bridge, which will improve service efficiency and safety.
When will the M6 be closed?
The M6 will be closed for two weekends: from 8pm on January 2 to 5am on January 5, 2026, and from 8pm on January 9 to 5am on January 12, 2026.
What should travelers do during the shutdown?
Travelers should check the National Rail Enquiries for updates on train schedules and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid disruptions.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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