Kendal Calling organisers warn drivers that M6 roadworks could cause delays near Penrith

The roadworks begin in July and continue through to November. Credit: Kendal Calling

Kendal Calling organisers have issued a warning to drivers that congestion is likely to be worse around this year's festival due to roadworks.

The music festival, which is the largest in the region, is due to take place from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 July at Lowther Deer Park near Penrith.

In an email sent to ticketholders, Kendal Calling bosses said that National Highways have notified them of planned works on the M6 btween J39 (Shap) and J40 (Penrith) over the weekend.

The roadworks are part of a refurbishment of Lowther Bridge and began on 15 May and are expected to be completed in the Autumn.

The works will result in lane closures on the motorway, making congestion and delays more likely.

They advised that traffic tends to be lighter on the Thursday but they expect it to be particularly busy on Friday from midday onwards when the majority of ticket holders arrive.

Organisers said: "Traffic in and around Penrith tends to surge as the end of the work week approaches due to additional weekend traffic, the changeover for customers to the local Centre Parcs and of course, the influx of Kendal Callers.

"To avoid the infamous traffic congestion in the local area, ensure you arrive at the festival as hassle free as possible and help the local residents, we have put some essential tips and information together below."These tips included arriving outside of peak traffic hours of 12pm to 6pm, booking parking tickets in advance or arriving on Thursday instead of Friday.

National Highways Project Manager Mark Mosley said: “These essential repairs will improve safety, reduce the need for future closures for emergency repairs and create better journeys for road users.

“Lowther Bridge is now 50 years old, so it’s vitally important we do this now to prevent further, longer-term disruption.

“We are mindful this work may cause some disruption around the local area, but we aim to keep traffic flowing and get the work completed as efficiently as possible. We would like to thank people for their patience.”  

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