Overnight M6 Closures Planned As Major Safety Barrier Project Begins
Motorists using the M6 in South Cumbria are being warned to expect lane restrictions and overnight closures as major safety work gets under way.
National Highways is preparing to replace the central reservation safety barrier on a section of the motorway near Burton in Kendal. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday September 14, subject to suitable weather and site conditions.
The work will cover the section between the Borwick Lane overbridge, north of Junction 35, and an area just north of Junction 36. The programme is expected to continue for around three months, with completion currently scheduled for December 11.
Lane three will remain closed in both directions throughout the main period of the project. A temporary 40mph speed limit will also be introduced through the works area to help protect road users and workers while construction activity takes place.
The project will involve a series of different traffic restrictions as individual stages of the work are completed. These measures will include overnight lane closures as well as periods when the motorway will need to be closed completely in one direction.
An overnight southbound lane closure is planned for Monday September 14. The restriction is scheduled to operate between 8pm and 6am, allowing work to begin while traffic volumes are generally lower.
Further southbound disruption is planned from Tuesday September 15 through to Saturday September 19. During those nights, the M6 will be closed southbound between Junction 35 and Junction 36 between 8pm and 6am.
Drivers travelling towards the affected section during the overnight closure period are therefore being advised to allow additional time for their journeys. The restrictions are expected to be clearly signposted, with motorists directed around the closure where necessary.
The northbound carriageway will also face restrictions during the early stages of the project. Lanes one and two are scheduled to be closed northbound from Monday September 14 until Sunday September 27.
The arrangement will then change as the project moves into its next phase. Lanes two and three will be closed northbound from Monday September 28 until Friday October 2, meaning drivers will need to pay close attention to the temporary road layout.
The northbound exit slip road at Junction 36 is also due to close overnight on Thursday September 17. The closure will be in place between 8pm and 6am as part of the wider programme of safety barrier replacement.
Additional overnight northbound lane closures will take place at different stages of the work. These restrictions are expected to remain in place between 8pm and 6am when required, allowing construction teams to carry out work while reducing the impact on daytime traffic.
The central reservation barrier replacement forms part of wider efforts to maintain safety infrastructure on the motorway. The barrier is an important feature separating opposing traffic flows and replacing it requires controlled working areas and temporary restrictions.
National Highways has advised that the programme remains subject to weather and site conditions. Construction schedules can therefore change if conditions prevent work from being carried out safely or effectively.
The project is expected to continue until December 11, meaning motorists using this part of the M6 will need to remain aware of changing restrictions over the coming months. Drivers are advised to check their routes before travelling, particularly when journeys coincide with planned overnight closures.
The works will affect a busy stretch of motorway serving South Cumbria and surrounding areas. Careful planning and reduced speeds through the works area will be important while the safety barrier replacement programme is under way.
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