Keep Junction 38 Open! - MP Tim Farron and local councillors ask National Highways to reconsider plans

The local communities of Tebay, Orton, Kirkby Stephen, and surrounding villages face up to four years of complete disruption, when work begins to replace eight deteriorating M6 motorway bridges, resulting in the closure of Junction 38 in one direction for four years. 

Local MP Tim Farron, alongside local councillors, residents and businesses are appealing for National Highways to reconsider their plans in light of the damage it is going to cause the community.

A survey of the impacts of the M6 Lune Gorge Structure Renewal Scheme found that the closure will cost the local area up to 10 million pounds in reduced profits for local businesses, farms, increased living costs for residents, and the loss of 150 local jobs affecting hundreds of families. These figures are likely to rise as more people recognise the scale of disruption. The closure of Junction 38 could make farming in the area untenable, resulting in generations of family farms forced to give up farming in the region.  

The headline findings from the survey are:

• £1.5 million pound cost to residents alone in additional travel costs
• £8 million pound reduction in the profits of local businesses
• 8 businesses anticipate130-150 job local job losses
• 6 businesses believe their site may not be viable and forced to close
• Over £400,000 losses to local farming businesses making farming for
  some untenable 
  
   

Local MP Tim Farron said, “We understand that National Highways must do vital maintenance to keep our roads safe. But precious little thought has been given to the communities of Tebay, Grayrigg, Kirkby Stephen, and Orton. The partial closure of J38, at the same time as the closure of the bridge on the A685 just outside of Tebay will be devastating for local residents, families, businesses and farms. It must be possible for National Highways to think again and to ensure that these communities aren’t cut off for years on end.”

Jonathan Capper Managing Director of Lyon Equipment Limited in Tebay said, “This disruption is going to have a significant impact on all local businesses. Lyon Equipment supply safety equipment and training for Fire and Rescue, Coastguard, Ambulance and Mountain Rescue Services throughout the UK. The Rescue Services rely on our next day delivery to provide appropriate national emergency rescue cover. The partial closure of Junction 38 will inevitably mean that we will not be able to provide the level of service required by these emergency services. The impact of the closure of Junction 38 will also have a legacy effect for all businesses. Keeping Junction 38 open is essential to ensure the long-term viability of businesses in the area.”

Charlotte Iniff, Tebay Resident said: "The partial J38 closure for four years will mean four years of traffic disruption. The proposed long diversions up and down the M6 won't be followed and we will have rat runs through our villages. Our villages and roads will be full of frustrated motorway traffic and they are just not suitable. It will be dangerous. The lengthy diversions will mean family life will be disrupted for many leaving children and elderly residents isolated from schools, hospitals and key services.  We must appeal to National Highways to find an alternative and Keep Junction 38 open!"