Work has started to make a junction of the M6 safer for driver after a series of 'serious' collisions.

Westmorland and Furness Council will introduce 500 meters of road markings on the A684 to support safety improvements conducted by National Highways at Junction 37.

Starting on Monday, November 11 and continuing on November 12 and 14, the Council will enhance road markings to discourage overtaking on the motorway bridge, reduce speeds and increase visibility at night for drivers.

Read more: M6: Inquest opens into death of biker Beverley Hainsworth in Cumbria | The Mail

Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said: “Unfortunately there have been a number of serious collisions at Junction 37 of the M6. 

“Our lining improvements on the A684 mark the start of a multi-agency programme to reduce the risk of further incidents here.

"Our works are designed to calm traffic, discourage overtaking, and ensure that drivers have a clearer view of the road ahead, especially at night."

Read more: M6: safety review of 'notorious' junction 37 underway | The Westmorland Gazette

Tim Farron, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, has been campaigning for urgent action to improve the safety of the junction. 

It follows a fatal collision involving a car and a bus in September, as well as the death of a motorbike passenger in July.

The works package will take place under a full road closure and introduce double white centre lines, road studs, yellow ‘rumble strips’, red high friction banding and SLOW markings across 500 meters of road.

Tim Farron with Liberal Democrat councillors Ian Mitchell and Hazel Hodgson by Junction 37 of the M6Tim Farron with Liberal Democrat councillors Ian Mitchell and Hazel Hodgson by Junction 37 of the M6 (Image: Tim Farron)

"We have carefully planned this to minimise disruption as much as possible, keeping local communities and road users in mind," Councillor Thornton added. 

"This collaborative effort is a crucial first step in our ongoing commitment to road safety in the area.”

The essential programme will be delivered between the hours of 8pm and 5am.

Works have also been planned in conjunction with National Highways who will upgrade nearby cattle grids under the closure, making efficient use of the road space and reduce the impact on local communities.

Emergency service access will be maintained on the A684 throughout the closure period, with no planned disruptions to bus services.

Further safety improvements to the M6 slipway are being planned by National Highways that will align with the council's upcoming works.