1 week Ago By Luke Chillingsworth
The UK’s longest motorway is set for a major upgrade with several new bridges set to be built as part of a massive infrastructure project. National Highways has confirmed the eight bridge deck structures will be upgraded around Lune Gorge between junction 37 and junction 38 on the M6 motorway. A bridge deck is the surface where vehicles travel and is considered a key structural element.
According to National Highways , initial ground investigations and surveys have already been carried out by experts. More in-depth preparation work on the scheme is set to get underway next year with work set to begin on the bridges in 2027. The three and a half year scheme is then expected to be completed with the bridge accessible to motorists around the winter of 2030/2031.
Experts at the National Highways admitted that unprecedented traffic levels on the route had “taken its toll” on the structures with work required to bring them back up to scratch. Seven of the bridges involve routes on the M6 with an eighth affecting the nearby A685 nearby. Khalif El-Rayes, National Highway’ Senior Project manager said: The bridges that carry the M6 and A685 over the Lune Gorge in Cumbria are rapidly reaching the end of their serviceable life.
"When this section of the M6 was opened in 1970 no-one could have predicted the huge rise in domestic and commercial traffic, with thousands of cars, coaches, vans and HGVs now pounding the motorway daily. “That huge volume of traffic has taken its tool, but this project will ensure this section of the M6 plays a key role in connecting businesses and communities across the north and beyond for decades to come.” The huge structures range from 46 metres to a staggering 142 metres in length and stand between 5 and 17 metres tall.
The Lune Gorge section of the M6 was constructed five decades ago and has now served motorists for a whopping 54 years. Mr El-Rayes added: “Our delivery partners including Keir,RPS, Aecom and Tony Gee, bring decades of experience in engineering and design, ensuring that we can deliver this project efficiently and safely. “We’ve been working with them to develop design solutions to reduce the length of roadworks and number of closures.
By using specialist equipment we’ll be able to replace the bridge decks safely and more quickly than traditional construction methods. This will mean less disruption for motorists and surrounding communities.”.
