M6 Junction 38 2025-12-01

Opened the debate

It is a great privilege to secure a debate on the closure of M6 Junction 38 in Cumbria. National Highways plans to replace seven bridges over the Lune gorge, which will cause overnight closures, weekend shutdowns, and extensive traffic diversions. The plan includes closing the southbound junction for 18 months followed by an additional 18 months for the northbound closure. This will have a devastating impact on local businesses, communities, emergency services access, and the wider economy. Local authorities are facing significant budget cuts and cannot manage the increased traffic without additional funding. The plan also poses risks to agriculture, tourism, and the haulage industry due to long detours and economic disruption. National Highways has not conducted a full impact assessment or seriously considered alternatives such as temporary slip roads.

Government Response

I thank Mr Farron for his speech highlighting the importance of the M6 junction 38 closure. National Highways recognises that this project is vital to ensure the safety and longevity of the motorway network. The £50 million project includes the replacement of seven bridges over the Lune gorge, which are approaching the end of their lifespan. While temporary closures are necessary for the safety of road users during construction, we have prioritised minimising disruption through innovative traffic management systems and alternative routes. National Highways has conducted extensive consultations with local communities to understand concerns and address them. The project includes a full impact assessment, which identified potential risks and mitigations. We will continue to work closely with local authorities and businesses to manage the transition and support the affected areas throughout the works. I also acknowledge the financial challenges faced by Westmorland and Furness council due to recent funding changes and commit to exploring opportunities for additional support through existing government programmes. I begin by congratulating the hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale on securing this debate on the M6 Lune gorge project. The Government are committed to its resilience, renewal and replacement with nearly £1.3 billion allocated for capital renewals in 2025-26. During the initial design stages of the project prior to May 2024, National Highways considered and assessed the opportunity of using temporary slip roads but deemed it unfeasible due to spatial constraints, value for money considerations, need for significant lane and speed restrictions, and likelihood of a costly extension to the overall construction period. Following feedback from local communities in September 2025, National Highways announced deferral of works on Lawtland House bridge to provide an additional route of access for residents of Tebay while essential works are undertaken at junction 38. National Highways has committed to a detailed feasibility review of the information produced by an independently commissioned engineering consultancy company. The review is expected to conclude by January 2026 and will consider impact on road users, costs of the scheme, and local communities. This project represents an essential renewal of the strategic road network critical for connectivity, supporting economic growth, and ensuring safety and resilience. National Highways remains committed to carefully reviewing proposals submitted for temporary slip roads.