The M6 southbound between the Scotland border and Junction 44 at Carlisle is scheduled to close overnight for five nights from Thursday 3 to Monday 7 September 2026.
This is the northern approach to Carlisle used by drivers travelling south from Gretna, the A74(M) and southern Scotland. It is a different closure from the M6 Junction 36 to Junction 39 northbound work elsewhere in Cumbria.
M6 closure dates and times
National Highways lists a full southbound closure from 8pm to 6am for five nights, 3 to 7 September. That means the affected nights begin on 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 September, with each closure due to lift at 6am the following morning.
- Thursday 3 September, 8pm to Friday 4 September, 6am
- Friday 4 September, 8pm to Saturday 5 September, 6am
- Saturday 5 September, 8pm to Sunday 6 September, 6am
- Sunday 6 September, 8pm to Monday 7 September, 6am
- Monday 7 September, 8pm to Tuesday 8 September, 6am
Roadwork programmes can change at short notice. Check National Highways live information on the day rather than relying only on the original schedule.
Official southbound diversion through Longtown
Southbound traffic should leave the A74(M) at Junction 22, join the A6071, continue to the A7 through Longtown and rejoin the M6 at Junction 44.
Follow the signed diversion. Narrow rural lanes are not a sensible shortcut for motorway traffic, particularly at night.
Travelodge Carlisle Todhills access warning
Travelodge Carlisle Todhills is beside the southbound motorway between Junction 45 and Junction 44. Travelodge says the hotel is only accessible from the motorway and has no other access road.
The official Longtown diversion bypasses the southbound motorway section serving the hotel. National Highways has not said that the hotel itself is closed, but guests should contact Travelodge before travelling during any of the five closure windows and confirm how an existing booking can be reached. Do not assume that following the diversion to Junction 44 will provide access back to Todhills.
Approaching Todhills outside the closure
Under normal conditions, southbound guests reach the hotel after Junction 45 at Gretna. Guests approaching from the south must continue to Junction 45 and return south for approximately four miles. This unusual access arrangement matters even when there are no roadworks.
What happens after 7 September?
The five-night full closure is part of a wider resurfacing scheme between M6 Junction 44 and the Scotland border. National Highways says southbound overnight lane closures are expected to continue until November 2026.
A lane closure is not the same as a full carriageway closure, but drivers should continue to allow extra time and check current information before evening journeys.
Another M6 closure in Cumbria
Drivers heading north through South Cumbria should also read the separate M6 Junction 36 to Junction 39 closure guide. The two schemes affect different directions and different parts of the motorway.
Before travelling
- Check the National Highways scheme page, daily closures and live traffic information.
- If heading south from Scotland, aim to pass A74(M) Junction 22 before 8pm where practical.
- Allow extra time for the A6071 and A7 route through Longtown.
- Follow signed diversions rather than sat-nav shortcuts.
- If staying at Todhills, contact the hotel before entering the closure area.
Information checked 3 September 2026. Planned roadworks can be delayed, shortened or cancelled at short notice.
No approved comments yet.