Passengers travelling on the West Coast Main Line through Penrith are set to benefit from a brand-new bridge, ensuring trains can safely and reliably travel along the route.
Skanska is working as main contractor for Network Rail to construct the impressive new structure. Measuring 130m in length and weighing in at around 4,200 tonnes, the bridge has been assembled in a specially built compound beside the busy M6 motorway. Watch the time-lapse footage here.
During the design phase, Skanska worked closely with Network Rail and the design team to find ways to reduce materials waste, cost and programme timescales.
This led to a solution where the existing bridge abutments, which the bridge sits on either side of the motorway, are being carefully retained and strengthened to accommodate a new, wider bridge design that supports higher loads.
Our piling and ground engineering team, Cementation Skanska is undertaking temporary works, on and around the abutments, which includes the installation of reinforced walls and working platforms.
Now that the new steel structure is complete, works to finalise the bridge deck are set to be completed in November.
The previous Clifton bridge is nearly 60-years-old and weight restrictions mean it can only carry one train at a time, causing delays to services.
It’s all in advance of the main phase of the project when the old structure will be removed and new one installed during a dual railway and motorway closures in the first two weeks of 2026.
Rosario Barcena, Skanska’s rail programme director, said: “We have made fantastic progress, with the new 4,200-tonne structure nearing completion. Demolition of the existing bridge and installation of the new one are both complex and time critical operations, to which we are bringing our expertise from previous similar projects for Network Rail and the latest digital technologies.
“It has been a super collaborative project, where we have worked with Network Rail, National Highways, local authority and supply chain partners to ensure that we are fully prepared.”
William Brandon, Network Rail’s project manager, said: “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.
Steve Mason, National Highways’ programme delivery manager, said: “This is an essential, once-in-a-lifetime Network Rail project to future-proof one of the most important railway routes in the country and we are pleased to hear of the great progress so far with the new bridge.
“We are continuing to work with Network Rail, key stakeholders and local communities to ensure the two weekend closures of the motorway in the new year go smoothly as possible.”
The M6 will also be shut on two consecutive weekends for the old bridge to be removed and new one moved into position, between:
- Evening of Friday 2 January to morning of Monday 5 January 2026
- Evening of Friday 9 January to morning of Monday 12 January 2026
During these periods, the motorway will close in both directions between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith.
Motorists are strongly advised to plan their journeys. Diversionary route information is available on the National Highways webpage.