Network Rail has completed a new £60 million railway bridge over the M6 near Penrith, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve reliability and capacity on one of Britain’s busiest rail routes.
The new bridge, which will replace the ageing Clifton bridge, spans 130 metres and weighs approximately 4,200 tonnes. Built by contractor Skanska, the structure was assembled in a specially constructed compound beside the motorway, with time-lapse footage revealing the scale and complexity of the engineering feat.
The current bridge, nearly 60 years old, is subject to weight restrictions that limit it to one train at a time, causing delays. The new bridge will allow for more frequent and reliable services, benefiting passengers travelling between Oxenholme and Carlisle.
Final works on the bridge deck are expected to be completed by November 2025, ahead of the main installation phase in January 2026, which will involve a dual closure of the railway and motorway from 1–14 January.
William Brandon, Network Rail’s Project Manager, commented:
“It's brilliant to see the new Clifton bridge structure now taking shape beside the M6 ready for its ambitious installation in the New Year as part of our major upgrades to keep passengers and freight moving on the West Coast Main Line for decades to come.
“In January we will not only start the main phase to replace the bridge, but elsewhere in Cumbria we'll also renew over 80 kilometres of overhead lines which power trains and continue with our major modernisation of West Coast Main Line signalling systems. These essential upgrades will involve some closures of the road and the railway, so we're advising people to plan journeys well in advance while we work with National Highways and our train operators to make people aware of the scale, impacts and future benefits of our multi-million-pound investment."
The bridge replacement is part of a wider programme of upgrades to the West Coast Main Line, including:
- £61 million digital signalling upgrade north of Carlisle
- Replacement of 80km of overhead power cables
- £26 million junction upgrade at Hanslope, Northamptonshire
- £16 million signalling investment at Preston station
These works are designed to future-proof the network, reduce delays, and improve passenger experience across the region.
Once installed, the new bridge will be a key component in delivering a modern, resilient railway, supporting both passenger and freight services for decades to come.
Image credit: Network Rail
Video credit: Network Rail
