Where is the M6 closure and why is it happening?

The closure is between Junctions 39 and 40 in Cumbria to allow a £60m replacement of the rail bridge that carries the West Coast Main Line over the motorway. Works are scheduled over a weekend to reduce weekday impact, but local roads are bearing more traffic while lifts take place.

How long could delivery delays last during the M6 closure?

Delays will vary by route and timing. Peak disruption typically occurs around lift windows and during any incidents on diversion routes. Expect longer lead times through the North West over the weekend, with recovery improving once lanes reopen and queues clear. Some next-day promises may roll into the following day.

Which businesses are most exposed to Cumbria traffic disruption?

UK hauliers, parcel carriers, and retailers moving goods through Cumbria and the North West are most exposed. Time-sensitive categories like fresh food and pharmacy lines face higher risk. Builders’ merchants and automotive parts may also see delays if backhaul and regional depots fall outside normal trunking windows.

What should investors watch to gauge impact and recovery?

Track carrier service alerts, retailer checkout cut-off changes, and reported depot turn times. Look for any extension to the bridge lift schedule or further incidents on diversions. If weekend operations stabilise and lanes reopen as planned, cost and sales effects should be limited to a short window.

Global Market Insights

January 03: M6 Closure and Diversion Crash Snarl UK Logistics

ByDanny Kontos January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Investors should watch the M6 closure this weekend as works between Junctions 39 and 40 for a £60m West Coast Main Line bridge replacement ripple through northern supply chains. A crash blocking the main diversion has compounded Cumbria traffic disruption, extending journey times for HGVs and parcel vans. We expect short-term cost pressure, missed delivery windows, and patchy store replenishment in the North West. The focus is on routing resilience, customer communication, and how carriers protect weekend service levels. Retailers may add buffers or adjust cut-offs to limit knock-on effects.