The closure of the M6 motorway in Cumbria has led to significant turmoil on local rural roads, as reported by a local farmer who claims that drivers disregarded a permit system designed to minimize traffic congestion. Last weekend, the M6 was shut down between junctions 39 at Shap and 40 near Penrith to facilitate the replacement of the aging Clifton Bridge.
Caroline Fancott-Beynon, a farmer residing in Kings Meaburn, close to Appleby, noted that she witnessed an astonishing 130 cars pass her house within just ten minutes on Saturday afternoon. She described the situation as reminiscent of a busy motorway transiting through a small country road, commenting that "it was like a motorway going past on a little C road."
National Highways expressed their regret over the inconvenience caused and promised enhancements for the next closure, scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM GMT on Friday. Fancott-Beynon, who is 43 years old, explained that residents were informed that only those with permits would be allowed to utilize the back roads during the closure, a plan intended to alleviate traffic pressure. This arrangement should have redirected drivers away from the official diversions that follow the A6 and A66 routes.
"Clearly, that's not been the case because we've had practically all the traffic coming through past us," she remarked, highlighting the inadequacy of the local roads to handle such volumes of vehicles. The narrow roads lacked passing places, making it difficult for two-way traffic to navigate safely.
She observed that traffic continued unabated, day and night, stating, "[At] 2 AM, 2:30 AM on Sunday morning, it was still like constant traffic going past us."
In response to the situation, a spokesperson from National Highways mentioned that Cumbria Police had issued 44 fines on the alternative routes during the last closure. Fancott-Beynon voiced her concerns regarding the challenges she faced in moving livestock safely to fields opposite her farm due to the overwhelming traffic.
"I understand this is a massive piece of work for [National Highways] to undertake; there are bound to be issues that arise," she acknowledged. "On paper, [the plan] works. I think the issue has been there's not been the manpower on the ground at the time of closures to enforce what they’ve got planned."
Steve Mason, a programme delivery manager at National Highways, encouraged motorists to adhere to the designated diversion routes. He stated, "While we're encouraged by the largely positive feedback we’ve received about last weekend's operation, we’ve identified improvements for this weekend’s final closure."
Mason indicated that additional resources would be allocated to work alongside Cumbria Police and Westmorland and Furness Council in an effort to deter drivers from ignoring the official diversion routes. He added that there would be further temporary prohibitions and extra staff present, including at King's Meaburn.
The demolition of the old bridge occurred last weekend, and plans are in place to position the new bridge during the upcoming closure. Additionally, disruptions are affecting train services on the West Coast Mainline, leading to bus replacements operating between Oxenholme and Carlisle, along with a shuttle rail diversion running on the Settle to Carlisle line between Preston and Carlisle.
Do you have any thoughts on how the authorities could better manage such closures? Or have you experienced similar chaos during construction work in your area? Share your insights!
