Clifton rail bridge: first train due to cross near Penrith

The first northbound service is scheduled to cross the new 130m Clifton Bridge over the M6 near Penrith between 06:15 and 06:30 GMT, ending weeks of local West Coast Main Line disruption; Network Rail said some road restrictions will remain until July.

The first train is due to cross the new Clifton Bridge over the M6 near Penrith, Cumbria, after months of engineering work. The steel bridge was moved into place at the weekend and replaced the almost 60-year-old concrete structure. Network Rail said the change ends weeks of disruption on this section of the West Coast Main Line. Some road restrictions beneath the bridge will remain for several months. Key details: - The first crossing is planned to be a northbound service coming out of Manchester, scheduled between 06:15 and 06:30 GMT. - The new bridge is about 130m long and weighs roughly 3,000 tonnes. - The previous bridge was nearly 60 years old and has been replaced with a steel structure. - Network Rail reported it has been laying new track, installing the overhead line equipment and preparing signalling since the weekend. - Replacement buses and diversions were used during the engineering works. - A temporary speed limit and a lane closure on the M6 beneath the bridge will remain in place until July. Summary: The new Clifton Bridge is set to restore regular traffic on this busy stretch of the West Coast Main Line after weeks of disruption. Network Rail has completed on-site railway preparations and scheduled the first crossing for this morning; road restrictions under the bridge are expected to continue until July.