The 130-metre long M6 Clifton Bridge just outside Penrith in Cumbria has been demolished in the first phase of the £60 million renewal project, writes Peter Brown.
With the M6 closed between junctions 39 and 40 from Friday to Monday morning, Scottish hauliers had to use alternative routes like the A66 and A1(M) or the A6 between Penrith and Shap to make their journeys.
The M6 will be closed again next weekend as a new pre-built 4,200-tonne steel and concrete structure is moved into place.
Network Rail has released timelapse video footage of its lead contractor Skanska completed the first phase removing Clifton Bridge.
The concrete bridge was demolished using excavators.
The original structure has been in place since 1968 ahead of the opening of a seven-mile stretch of the Penrith bypass in November of that year at a cost of £7.7 million, which is the equivalent of almost £119 million today.
Rosario Barcena, Skanska’s rail programme director added: “We have made fantastic progress. The bridge has been built on schedule and our preparatory work for the removal of the current structure and installation of the new one is nearing completion.
“These planning works include a trial move of the new bridge using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) before Christmas (supplied by Mammoet).
“This progress has come as a result of close working between all the partners involved including Network Rail, National Highways, our supply chain team and local community.”
The M6 will be closed again next weekend as a new pre-built 4,200-tonne steel and concrete structure is moved into place (source: Skanska).
