UK’s Biggest Rail Disruption in Decades: Major Train and Motorway Shutdowns as Clifton Bridge Gets Replaced – What You Need to Know!

Published on December 30, 2025

In early January 2026, major disruptions are set to affect both rail passengers and motorists in the North West of England due to the replacement of the Clifton Bridge on the West Coast Main Line. This project, which will take place during the first two weeks of January, is essential for future-proofing one of the busiest railway routes in the UK. The new bridge will not only improve train services but also address issues caused by the existing structure, which is nearly 60 years old and has severe weight restrictions.

The Clifton Bridge is situated over the M6 motorway near Penrith. The original structure has become a bottleneck, limiting the number of trains that can pass over it. Currently, the bridge can only accommodate one train at a time, leading to delays. The new bridge, however, will be significantly larger, measuring 130 meters in length and weighing around 4,200 tonnes, offering better capacity for future train movements.

Major Rail Closures Between Oxenholme and Carlisle

Beginning on New Year’s Eve, the removal of the old Clifton Bridge and installation of the new steel structure will cause rail service closures between Oxenholme and Carlisle. No trains will run on this section of the West Coast Main Line until January 15, 2026. This will lead to extensive delays and diversions for passengers planning to travel between key locations in the North West and Scotland.

During the first phase of the closure (January 1–4), trains will be out of service between Preston, Oxenholme, and Carlisle, as well as between Carlisle and Lockerbie. The line through Preston will be open again on January 5–6, but services between Oxenholme and Carlisle will remain suspended for additional work.

Impact on M6 and Motorists

As part of the project, the M6 motorway will also be temporarily shut down over two weekends. The closures will take place between:

• 8:00 PM Friday, January 2 and 5:00 AM Monday, January 5, 2026
• 8:00 PM Friday, January 9 and 5:00 AM Monday, January 12, 2026

The motorway will be closed in both directions between Junction 39 at Shap and Junction 40 near Penrith. Motorists are being urged to plan their journeys accordingly and seek alternative routes during these periods.

Significant Infrastructure Upgrades

In addition to the bridge replacement, the project will involve the replacement of over 80 kilometers of overhead power lines that supply electricity to trains. This part of the work will also include a £61 million upgrade to the digital signalling systems north of Carlisle. These upgrades aim to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the West Coast Main Line for decades to come.

Travelers are advised to check the National Rail Enquiries website or other official sources for up-to-date information on changes to train schedules, and to allow extra time for their journeys. As the new bridge is installed, there will also be significant work on the surrounding infrastructure, which will contribute to longer-term improvements.

Road and Rail Alternatives for Affected Passengers

With the ongoing work affecting both the railway and the M6, alternative transport options will be in place for affected passengers. Replacement bus services will be provided between stations, and some journeys will involve shuttle services to manage the disruption. Passengers are urged to check their travel arrangements ahead of time, as some routes will experience significant changes.

For those traveling by rail, services will operate according to an amended timetable, which will include changes to stops and additional travel time. Rail replacement buses will be used to connect affected stations, ensuring some level of connectivity throughout the closure period.

Motorists should be prepared for delays and diversions on the M6, particularly during the closure periods. National Highways, in cooperation with local authorities, will ensure that diversion routes are clearly signposted and minimize disruptions as much as possible.

Progress of the Project and Community Involvement

The replacement of Clifton Bridge is the culmination of extensive planning and preparation by Network Rail, Skanska, and National Highways. The teams involved have worked collaboratively to ensure that the bridge is constructed on time and that the process of its installation goes smoothly.

Before the holiday period, a trial run of the new bridge using self-propelled modular transporters was successfully completed. This was a critical milestone in the process, demonstrating that the bridge could be safely moved into place.

Community engagement has also been a key focus throughout the project. Local residents have been kept informed through a series of drop-in sessions, and leaflets have been distributed to thousands of households in the area. The public has been encouraged to stay informed and prepare for the upcoming disruptions.

Advice for Travelers

Given the scale of the works, it is highly recommended that both rail passengers and motorists plan their journeys well in advance. This will help reduce the impact of the closures and allow for alternative arrangements to be made where possible. Travelers should regularly check official websites, including National Rail Enquiries, for the latest updates on train services, and be aware of motorway diversions when traveling by car.

(The image is solely for representational purposes, and has been generated through AI)