Drivers in Kendal face a concentrated programme of motorway closures, roadworks and temporary restrictions from September, with the M6 shut overnight on five occasions and several major routes around the South Lakes affected.
The disruption includes works at M6 junction 36, a closure of Powson Bridge near junction 37, restrictions on the A591 towards Windermere and Ambleside, and a series of council traffic orders affecting local roads. The information was checked on 5 September 2026 against published council and National Highways notices.
M6 junction 36 closures and diversion traffic
National Highways is replacing the central reservation barrier on the M6 near Burton-in-Kendal, beginning at Borwick Lane overbridge. The scheme runs from Monday 14 September to Friday 11 December. A lane three closure in both directions and a 40mph limit will apply throughout the three-month programme.
In addition, the M6 will be closed southbound between junctions 35 and 36 overnight from 8pm to 6am on five nights, from 15 to 19 September. The junction 36 northbound exit slip road will close overnight on 17 September. Northbound lane restrictions between junctions 35 and 36 will also be in place overnight from 14 to 27 September and from 28 September to 2 October.
When the motorway closes, traffic is expected to use the A6 through Kendal. The source describes the A6 as a critical diversion route and warns that motorway closures can quickly become a town-centre traffic problem.
Local closures around Kendal
Powson Bridge on the C5069, just north of junction 37 near Lambrigg, is closed to vehicles while its parapets are replaced. The closure began on 1 September and covers 25 metres either side of the bridge. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists can still cross. The council says the order is expected to be needed for about nine weeks, although it can legally remain in force for longer.
Hayclose Lane is subject to temporary speed limits for utility works. The restrictions began on 24 August and are expected to last about 16 weeks. A 40mph limit applies on two sections near the A684 and Oxenholme Road junctions, with a 30mph limit on the 615 metres between them.
Two Kendal closures have moved from proposals to made orders. U669 will close for about one day from 10 September, for 20 metres north-east of Blackhall Road, with no suitable vehicle diversion listed. Valley Drive will close for about one day from 16 September, for 45 metres south-east of Littledale, with traffic diverted via Esthwaite Avenue and Lingmoor Rise.
Other advertised closures include A65 Lound Road on 6 September, for about one day, and Brigsteer Road from 22 September for about five days. The Brigsteer Road restriction covers 1.7km, although vehicles wider than the stated width restriction may be allowed through when it is safe.
A591, A590 and wider South Lakes disruption
A proposed order due to come into operation on 14 September would affect 10 roads, including five separate stretches of the A591. The listed sections include roads at Skelghyll Lane, Rydal, Troutbeck Bridge, Ambleside and Staveley. The restrictions apply only when signs are displayed and are expected to be needed for about one month.
The published A591 diversions are lengthy. Northbound non-motorway traffic is directed via the A592, A5091 and A66 at Keswick, while motorway traffic is directed via the A590 and M6. The source warns there is no short alternative around a closed A591 in the central Lakes.
The A590 will also be resurfaced between Meathop Roundabout and Stakes Moss from 14 September to 30 October. Overnight work is planned on the single-carriageway section, while the westbound dual carriageway between Witherslack and Meathop will have daytime and overnight works on weekdays. A contraflow will operate, with full closures required while traffic management is installed and removed.
The Westmorland County Show at Lane Farm, Crooklands, on 9 and 10 September will bring one-way restrictions to nearby lanes. Crooklands Bridge, Moss End Lane and part of Milton Lane are affected at different times, so drivers not attending the show are advised to avoid those routes on the two event days.
Flood scheme and checking conditions
Kendal’s flood defence works continue to affect riverside access. The scheme followed Storm Desmond in December 2015, which affected 2,276 properties in Kendal. All road bridges over the River Kent are expected to remain open, while riverside footpaths close in sections as work moves along the river. Berners Close car park has limited availability because of construction.
Road users should check One.network for council roadworks, National Highways for motorway and trunk-road schemes, and the Public Notice Portal for statutory traffic orders and full diversion routes. The source says rail engineering information could not be confirmed on 5 September, so passengers are advised to check directly with their train operator before travelling.