Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 11, Network Rail has selected Skanska for a £43 million contract to design, construct, and install a new steel bridge over the M6 motorway near Penrith, Cumbria. The project focuses on replacing the existing Clifton Bridge, a vital structure supporting the West Coast Main Line, an essential rail route in the region.

The new bridge, spanning 130 meters with a single-span design, will be built at a nearby site separate from the current structure. To ensure a smooth transition, the existing bridge will be dismantled, and the new one installed during a 15-day rail closure starting December 31, 2025. All commissioning work will occur during this period while the West Coast Main Line is temporarily closed.

This contract marks Skanska’s first project under Network Rail’s North West and Central Framework, which runs from April 2024 to March 2029. Skanska has collaborated closely with Network Rail to refine the bridge’s design and construction plan. The updated approach reuses parts of the original bridge, such as abutments and piers, to save time, reduce costs, and lower environmental impact.

James Corker, operations director for rail at Skanska, stated: “This is a complex project that will be delivered to tight timescales. We have drawn on our experience delivering similar schemes, with close support from our supply chain.” The revised methods aim to enhance efficiency while maintaining high standards.

The project involves cooperation with multiple organizations, including National Highways, Westmorland & Furness Council, the Environment Agency, and the National Trust. These partnerships ensure the project aligns with local needs and environmental considerations, supporting sustainable infrastructure development in the area.

The new Clifton Bridge will strengthen the reliability of the West Coast Main Line, benefiting passengers and freight services. By upgrading this key rail link, the project contributes to improved connectivity across the region. Skanska and Network Rail are committed to minimizing disruptions for local communities during construction.