Petition to halt motorway repair closures

Work to repair bridges along the M6 through the Lune Gorge will take four years

A petition which is part of a campaign to keep a section of a major motorway open has topped 1,700 signatures.

Last year, National Highways announced plans to repair eight bridges on the M6 through the Lune Gorge in Cumbria, with work starting in 2027 and expected to finish in 2031.

The repairs would result in the partial closure of junction 38, only allowing movement in one direction for four years and sparking concerns from residents and nearby businesses.

National Highways said it was listening to opponents and that it was its aim to "always to cause as little disruption as possible".

Communities in the surrounding area including Orton, Tebay and Kirkby Stephen, have expressed concern that closing the junction will have a severe, negative impact on the community.

Activists and the Westmorland, Furness and Eden Liberal Democrats have now launched the Keep Junction 38 Open campaign.

'Cut off for years'

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the works would have an "enormous impact".

"The partial closure of junction 38, at the same time as the closure of the bridge on the A685 just outside of Tebay will be devastating for local residents, businesses and farms.

"I am in regular conversation with National Highways, urging them to think again to ensure that these communities aren't cut off for years on end."

National Highways said the bridges over the Lune Gorge were built more than 60 years ago and were near the end of their lifespan.

A spokesperson said: "Junction 38 will be accessible for the majority of the project apart from occasional overnight or weekend closures, which we will keep to a minimum.

"These are necessary to keep our workforce and drivers safe."