A new proposal to change existing plans to partially close an M6 junction for four years is being considered by National Highways.

The proposed plans to close junction 38’s northbound side near Penrith, Cumbria, for two years and the southbound section for the same amount of time received criticism from local residents and businesses, says the Westmorland Gazette.

Now a proposal for temporary slip-roads to be in place during the four-year period is being considered.

The initial plans, which were part of a National Highways project to replace the Lune Gorge bridges, would have seen partial closures take place between 2027 and 2031.

The proposal comes just hours after Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron joined residents and local business leaders at Downing Street to hand in a petition that gained 5,500 signatures.

Following that, Mr Farron met with Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses, and representatives of National Highways, to present to them new designs of temporary slip-roads after previous designs were rejected.

Mr Farron said:

“Last night I met with the Minister for Roads and representatives from National Highways, about our campaign to build temporary slip roads at Junction 38 of the M6 so this vital junction can be kept open during the four years of bridge repair work.

“National Highways were set to reject our proposals until I presented them with the newly designed plans for temporary slip roads drawn up by motorway highways consultants BWB. The main reason BWB’s original designs were rejected was because National Highways had refused to share with them the information they needed to do a fully accurate proposal.

“National Highways have now agreed to review the new proposals for temporary slip roads.”

(Picture: Mapillary)