Giant bolts will make M6 safer

High cliffs hug parts of the M6 in Cumbria

Giant bolts up to 30ft long, which make safe high cliffs alongside the M6 through Lune Gorge in the Lake District, are being tightened during remedial work on the rock face.

More than 1,000 of the bolts were installed when the motorway was carved through the steeply sided gorge in Cumbria during the 1970's.

It meant sections of rock face up to 50ft high were left exposed alongside the motorway.

The area is regularly inspected as part of the Highways Agency's routine maintenance programme for the motorway network and remedial work is carried out when necessary.

Now it has been decided to use what the agency describes as a huge "spanner" to tighten up the bolts.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: "Contractors will be using specialist equipment to tighten the bolts on the cliff face as part of the routine maintenance of the gorge.

Travelling public

"This will include the removal of rock debris, installing further rock bolts and improving drainage."

The work is due to start on 9 February and is expected to last for five weeks.

Lane closures will be required at times and motorists are advised to take extra care when driving through the road works.

The agency spokesman added: "We carry out regular inspections of these cuttings, and a recent check showed a need for further remedial work to ensure the continuing safety of the travelling public.

"It will involve removing loose blocks and smaller rock debris, installing further rock bolts, rock netting and masonry infill panels, re-pointing existing masonry panels, and improving drainage.

"The lane restrictions are necessary for the safety of both road users and our workforce. Few delays are expected but drivers should allow more time for their journeys."