Bridge landmark in M6 extension

Motorists have been using part of a £175m extension of the M6 for the first time after a new bridge was opened.

Southbound traffic was diverted onto the bridge over the River Esk on Thursday - marking a major landmark in the Carlisle to Guards Mill extension.

When the scheme is completed later this year it will plug the "Cumberland Gap", enabling drivers to travel from Glasgow to London entirely by motorway.

A 50mph speed limit is in place while construction work continues.

Arun Sahni, Highways Agency deputy project manager, said: "Traffic on the new Esk bridge marks a major milestone for the scheme and demonstrates how well work is progressing - we are on target to open on time later in the year."

Work on the 5.8 mile extension began in July 2006.