Repair work to M6 river bridge to get under way
National HighwaysWork to repair a bridge that carries the M6 over the River Lowther is due to start on Monday.
The crossing between junction 39 and junction 40 south of Penrith, Cumbria, will undergo repairs over the next two years along its deck and also underneath it.
National Highways said the section would remain open with a 40mph speed limit, apart from a "handful of overnight closures".
It said while the £9m work was "not a quick project", it was "doing all it could to minimise inconvenience", which included sharing traffic management with Network Rail on repairs to the nearby Clifton Bridge.
The work includes concrete repairs to both the deck superstructure and substructure, full re-waterproofing and resurfacing, and renewing the central reservation barrier.
National Highways said it would also replace the bridge joints.
The section of the M6 will remain open with two lanes operating in both carriageways during the day and a lane open in each direction overnight, with free recovery in place.
National Highways project manager Sam Whitfield said: "Lowther bridge is a vital part of the M6 infrastructure in this part of the motorway network and this significant maintenance and repair project will ensure it continues to serve motorway users for many years to come.
"If we do not act now, the risk is motorists will suffer from unplanned closures of the M6 and regular delays to journeys," he added.