Drivers' fury as major motorway could drop speed limit to 30mph for three years under new proposals

The closures form part of extensive bridge renewal work throughout the Lune Gorge scheduled to commence in spring 2027.

Local representatives and commercial enterprises have expressed alarm about the potential consequences, with Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron spearheading resistance efforts through parliamentary channels.

The infrastructure project encompasses replacing seven bridges carrying the M6 across the River Lune gorge, with structures dating from over six decades ago now approaching operational limits.

National Highways maintains that the renewal programme is essential for safety, citing deterioration from increased traffic volumes, heavier vehicles and climate change impacts.

The scheme covers a 10-kilometre stretch between Castle Howe bridge at Junction 38 and High Gill bridge near Junction 37.

Construction timelines indicate work will continue until 2031, creating what critics describe as four to six years of continuous disruption.

The proposals include overnight closures, weekend shutdowns and contraflow systems operating at speeds as low as 30mph. An eighth bridge carrying the A685 over the M6 also requires replacement, though campaigners successfully lobbied to prevent simultaneous closure.

Critics have argued that the junction closures will inflict catastrophic damage to regional businesses, with Westmorland services at Tebay alone facing estimated losses of £1million.

"The current plan will devastate local businesses - whose model is often completely reliant on proximity to the M6 and the junctions north and south," Mr Farron told Parliament on Monday.

He warned that the closures threaten Cumbria's multibillion-pound tourism sector, potentially endangering 60,000 hospitality jobs as visitors avoid congestion.

Farmers will also be impacted, with the MP detailing how they could face increased fuel costs and animal welfare concerns from extended journey times.

The haulage industry, which relies on junction 38 as a halfway point to Scotland and Irish ferry ports, would also endure massive detours via the A66, A1(M) and M62.

"From the beginning of this project, there has been a failure to consider the community and the Cumbrian economy," Mr Farron stated during the Commons debate.

He demanded ministerial intervention, requesting the Transport Minister independently examine the temporary slip road plans and instruct National Highways to conduct formal assessments.

The MP highlighted how rearranging bridge removal sequences could enable temporary slip roads, avoiding the need for extended junction closures.

A petition supporting the "Keep Junction 38 Open" campaign has gathered over 1,700 signatures, which helped highlight the urgent need for support.

Transport Minister Simon Lightwood acknowledged the scheme's significance during Monday's debate, praising Mr Farron's advocacy while defending the infrastructure renewal as vital for safety and connectivity.

Mr Lightwood added: "I fully understand the honourable Member’s concerns regarding the impact of road closures during the construction of this project. These are legitimate and important considerations for local communities and road users alike.

"National Highways has no intention of inconveniencing road users, but it accepts that, due to the nature and scale of this type of work, especially where there is a need for road closures, some level of disruption is unavoidable."

The Minister revealed that National Highways had previously assessed temporary slip roads before May 2024, deeming them unfeasible due to spatial constraints and value considerations.

However, following stakeholder submissions in September and October, the agency has committed to conducting a detailed feasibility review of new proposals. The review will examine traffic impacts and costs, with findings expected by January 2026.