M6 motorway
The M6 motorway is the longest motorway in the United Kingdom, extending approximately 236 miles (380 km) from the Catthorpe Interchange with the M1 near Rugby in Warwickshire to Gretna on the border with Scotland.[1][2] It functions as a primary north-south artery, linking key industrial and urban centers such as Coventry, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Lancaster, and Carlisle, while traversing counties including Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Cumbria.[1][2] The route incorporates the historic Preston Bypass—the UK's first motorway section, opened in 1958—and connects to other major roads like the M69, M54, M6 Toll, M61, M62, and A74(M) motorway in Scotland.[1][3] As one of Britain's busiest highways, the M6 carries over 120,000 vehicles daily in sections near the Midlands and supports economic connectivity between southern England and the north, including vital access to ports, airports, and tourism areas like the Lake District.[4][5] Ongoing upgrades, managed by National Highways, include smart motorway technology with variable speed limits, additional lanes, and safety enhancements to address congestion and improve resilience.[6][7] Notable landmarks along the route include the award-winning Lune Gorge section in Cumbria, celebrated for its scenic engineering through challenging terrain, and the infamous Gravelly Hill Interchange (Junction 6) in Birmingham, a multi-level junction dubbed "Spaghetti Junction" due to its complex overpasses.[3][2] The parallel M6 Toll, opened in 2003, provides a 27-mile relief route around the congested Birmingham area, reducing pressure on the main carriageway.[1][8]Route
Southern section
The southern section of the M6 motorway commences at the Catthorpe Interchange, connecting to junction 19 of the M1 near Rugby in Warwickshire, and extends approximately 50 miles northwest through the county.[9][1] This initial stretch skirts the outskirts of Rugby and Coventry, crossing the River Avon shortly after its start, while navigating flat to undulating countryside typical of rural Warwickshire.[9][10] As the route progresses, it enters the West Midlands metropolitan area, where the terrain shifts from rural landscapes to increasingly urban density around Birmingham.[9] The motorway approaches the city center via the Gravelly Hill Interchange—known as Spaghetti Junction—at junction 6, a complex five-level structure linking the M6 to the A38(M) Aston Expressway and other local routes, enabling efficient access to central Birmingham.[11][12] This section was developed during the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of the broader M6 expansion, with major alignments from Catthorpe to Ansty and Ansty to Coleshill opening in 1971.[1][9] Spaghetti Junction opened to traffic on 24 May 1972, marking a significant engineering milestone in urban motorway integration.[11] To address chronic congestion through the Birmingham conurbation, the M6 Toll—a 27-mile bypass from near junction 3a to junction 11a—was constructed and opened on 9 December 2003 as the UK's first tolled motorway, allowing traffic to diverge from the mainline southern section and rejoin further north.[13][14] The southern section concludes at junction 10, linking seamlessly to the central portion of the M6.[9]Central section
The central section of the M6 motorway commences at Junction 10 (Bentley Interchange) near Walsall in the West Midlands, linking northward through Staffordshire and Cheshire toward the urban fringes of Greater Manchester, covering approximately 100 miles to Junction 30 (Middlebrook Interchange) at Middleton. This stretch traverses the industrial heartlands of central England, connecting key economic hubs including Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe, and Warrington, while facilitating major freight and commuter flows between the Midlands and the North West.[15][9] From Junction 10, the route proceeds through rural and semi-urban Staffordshire, crossing the Trent and Mersey Canal shortly after Junction 14 (near Stafford) and skirting the western edge of Stoke-on-Trent via Junction 15 (Hanchurch Interchange, connecting to the A500 and A34). Entering Cheshire at Junction 16 (Barthomley Interchange), the motorway passes near Crewe and through the rolling countryside, with Keele services located between Junctions 15 and 16, followed by Knutsford services between Junctions 18 and 19. The terrain here blends pastoral landscapes with agricultural fields, occasionally interrupted by industrial sites, before the dual three-lane carriageway widens to four lanes north of Junction 20 (Lymm). A notable feature is the Thelwall Viaduct crossing of the Manchester Ship Canal between Junctions 20 and 21, providing a critical link over this historic waterway.[16][9] Further north, the M6 integrates with major urban networks at Junction 21A (Croft Interchange), where it connects to the M62, enabling seamless access to Manchester and Liverpool. The route then navigates the increasingly built-up fringes of Greater Manchester, passing Leigh at Junction 25 (Bryn Interchange, near the Ship Canal's influence) and linking to the M61 at Junction 30, amid a mix of industrial estates, residential areas, and commercial zones. This section underwent significant upgrades, including widening schemes in the 1990s and 2000s to address congestion, such as the expansion between Junctions 20 and 21A completed under the 1990 scheme, and further improvements between Junctions 30 and 32 authorized in 1991. Additionally, the stretch between Junctions 16 and 19 was converted to an all-lane running smart motorway in the 2010s, incorporating variable speed limits and enhanced technology to improve capacity and safety.[17][16]Northern section
The northern section of the M6 motorway extends approximately 82 miles from junction 30 at Middleton, on the border of Greater Manchester and Lancashire, to junction 45 at Gretna near the Scottish border.[18] This stretch transitions from the more urban central section, entering predominantly rural landscapes as it heads north through Lancashire toward Preston and Lancaster. The route passes key junctions including J31 and J32 near Preston, J33 and J34 at Lancaster, where it crosses the River Lune via a reinforced concrete arch bridge completed in 1960, and J35 at Carnforth.[19] Further north, it traverses the Lune Gorge in Cumbria, a scenic valley alongside the River Lune, featuring dramatic hilly terrain and structures such as the 73-foot Borrowbeck Viaduct.[3] Entering Cumbria around J36 near Kirkby Lonsdale, the motorway skirts the fringes of the Lake District National Park to the west and the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the east, incorporating rolling Pennine landscapes and forested areas near Shap.[18] At J39, it reaches Shap Summit, the highest point on the M6 at 316 meters (1,036 feet) above sea level, where the route climbs through moorland and upland fringes before descending into the Eden Valley.[3] The path continues past J40 at Penrith and J41-44 around Carlisle, crossing the River Eden via viaducts in the valley flood plain, before terminating at J45, where it connects seamlessly to the A74(M) motorway in Scotland.[20] Throughout this segment, the motorway is primarily dual three-lane with some four-lane sections, serving as a vital freight corridor with around 50,000 daily vehicle crossings as of the early 2020s.[18] The terrain in this northern section presents unique engineering challenges, including split-level carriageways separated by up to hundreds of feet to navigate the undulating Cumbrian hills and manage winter snowfall, with the 36-mile Lancaster-to-Penrith portion opened on 23 October 1970 after construction that recycled 750,000 cubic meters of rock for embankments.[3] Environmental considerations were prioritized during development, particularly in Cumbria, where the route's alignment through sensitive rural and national park-adjacent areas earned a Civic Trust award for sympathetic design; measures included extensive culverts for drainage in regions receiving three times the national average rainfall, alongside ongoing management of flood risks near J35 at Carnforth.[3] Noise and air quality impacts are monitored near urban nodes like Preston and Carlisle, with receptors within 100-300 meters of the carriageway.[18] The final extension from Carlisle to Gretna (J44 to J45), converting the former A74 dual carriageway, was completed and opened to traffic in December 2008, enhancing connectivity to Scotland while addressing environmental mitigation for the Eden Valley.[21]History
Planning and construction
The planning for what would become the M6 motorway emerged in the post-war era as part of broader efforts to modernize Britain's road network, building on early 20th-century national road schemes that emphasized improved trunk routes.[22] The Special Roads Act 1949 provided the legal framework for constructing motorways restricted to motor vehicles, enabling dedicated high-speed routes free from local traffic.[23] The initial segment, the Preston Bypass, was conceived in Sir James Drake's 1949 Road Plan for Lancashire, which envisioned a north-south motorway linking major industrial areas.[24] Constructed by Tarmac over 19 months at a cost of £2.9 million, this 8-mile stretch from Bamber Bridge to Barton opened on 5 December 1958 as the UK's first motorway, featuring unreinforced concrete surfacing for durability.[25][26] It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and later incorporated into the M6 as junctions 29 to 32.[24] Subsequent phases extended the route southward and northward in a piecemeal manner, funded primarily through government allocations via the Ministry of Transport.[27] Southern extensions from Preston reached Birmingham by 1963, including the Lancaster Bypass in 1960 and sections through Staffordshire in 1962–1963.[1] Central portions, such as those around Birmingham and Manchester, were built during the mid-1960s, with the Wednesbury to Great Barr stretch opening in 1966.[1] Northern construction advanced through the late 1960s and 1970s, navigating challenging terrain including the Lake District fells and Lune Gorge.[27] Key sections included the Penrith Bypass in 1968 and Carlisle Bypass in 1970, with the final northern link from Carlisle to Gretna—upgrading the A74—completed in 2008 to connect seamlessly with Scotland's M74.[1] The northern stretches from junction 36 to 44 alone cost over £50 million.[27] Engineering highlights included complex interchanges and crossings over waterways. The Gravelly Hill Interchange (Spaghetti Junction) at junction 6, built from 1968 to 1972 for £10 million, formed a five-level free-flow junction linking the M6 to the M1 and M5, with 13 miles of viaducts supported by 559 concrete pillars up to 80 feet high.[28] Other feats encompassed bridges over the Lancaster Canal, River Mersey via the 1.4-km Thelwall Viaduct spanning the Manchester Ship Canal, and multiple structures in the Lune Gorge area.[27][29] In response to congestion around Birmingham, a parallel toll road was proposed in 1980 and approved for private financing in 1991.[30] The 27-mile M6 Toll, constructed by Midland Expressway Ltd from 2000 to 2003 at a cost of £900 million, bypassed the most heavily trafficked section between junctions 3a and 7, opening on 9 December 2003.[31][30]Operational history
The M6 motorway's initial operations began with the opening of the Preston bypass in December 1958, marking the UK's first stretch of motorway and initially handling low traffic volumes as the network was in its infancy.[32] By the early 1970s, following the completion of key sections like the Gravelly Hill Interchange (Spaghetti Junction) in May 1972, daily traffic averaged around 40,000 vehicles, below the design capacity of 75,000, but rapid economic expansion and rising car ownership soon drove significant growth.[28] This surge led to widespread congestion by the late 1970s, particularly around Birmingham where Spaghetti Junction emerged as a major bottleneck, with peak flows exceeding design limits and contributing to frequent delays on the route.[28][33] In response to escalating demand, widening projects in the 1980s and 1990s expanded several sections from dual two lanes to dual three lanes, including the addition of hard shoulders for safety and emergency use where previously only soft verges existed.[34] Notable efforts included the 1990 scheme to widen the M6 between junctions 20 and 21A, incorporating the parallel Thelwall Viaduct to handle increased loads and traffic.[35] These upgrades aimed to alleviate bottlenecks but were often reactive, as traffic continued to outpace capacity improvements amid ongoing economic growth.[33] The opening of the M6 Toll in December 2003 provided a 27-mile bypass around the congested West Midlands section, diverting freight and long-distance traffic to relieve pressure on the mainline M6.[36] By the 2010s, average daily traffic volumes on the M6 had reached approximately 150,000 vehicles near junction 10, reflecting sustained post-2000 growth of about 25% across the strategic road network, though the toll's usage stabilized below initial forecasts at around 40,000 vehicles per day.[37][38] Spaghetti Junction, meanwhile, saw volumes surpass 200,000 vehicles per day, underscoring persistent challenges despite relief measures.[28] Post-2010 policy shifts emphasized smart motorway technologies to optimize capacity without full widening, with the M6 junction 8 to 10a section opening as one of the earliest managed motorways in March 2011, using dynamic hard shoulder running to reduce congestion during peaks.[37] This evolved into all-lane running configurations by 2014, converting hard shoulders into permanent lanes with refuge areas and variable speed limits, applied to sections like junctions 5 to 8 to address environmental concerns over emissions from idling traffic while accommodating growth.[39] Further smart motorway upgrades continued into the 2020s, including the completion of all-lane running between junctions 21a and 26 in December 2024. However, in April 2023, the government announced the cancellation of all new smart motorway schemes nationwide due to public safety concerns and a lack of confidence in the technology.[40][7][41] These adaptations marked a transition toward technology-driven operations, balancing capacity needs with safety and sustainability goals.Services and facilities
Service areas
The M6 motorway features 18 official service areas, providing essential rest stops for motorists traveling its approximately 236 miles (380 km) length from Rugby at junction 1 in Warwickshire to Todhills between junctions 44 and 45 in Cumbria.[42] These facilities are distributed to ensure accessibility roughly every 20-30 miles, aligning with government guidelines for safe driving intervals and reducing fatigue-related risks on this major north-south route. The spacing supports continuous journey planning, with services strategically placed near urban centers and rural stretches to accommodate varying traffic volumes, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).[5] Service areas are primarily accessed via dedicated slip roads directly from the motorway carriageways, allowing seamless entry and exit without requiring full interchanges in many cases, though some, like Lymm at junction 20, utilize complete junction infrastructure for broader connectivity.[43] Most sites serve both northbound and southbound traffic, often linked by pedestrian bridges, while a few are direction-specific, such as Stafford southbound between junctions 14 and 15 or Killington Lake southbound between junctions 36 and 37.[42] Newer developments, including the Rugby services opened on 30 April 2021, integrate advanced features like extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging points—featuring 24 high-power GRIDSERVE bays (as of October 2024)—to support the growing adoption of low-emission vehicles.[44][45] Notable examples include Hilton Park between junctions 10A and 11 (both directions with HGV facilities), Stafford northbound between junctions 14 and 15, Knutsford between junctions 18 and 19 (both directions), and Lancaster between junctions 32 and 33 (both directions, emphasizing regional accessibility).[46] A unique paired setup exists at Tebay between junctions 38 and 39, operated as a farm-based service by the Westmorland Family, focusing on local produce and sustainable practices since its northbound opening in 1972.[47] Historically, the first M6 service areas emerged in the early 1960s as the motorway expanded from its Preston Bypass origins in 1958, with Keele between junctions 15 and 16 opening on 15 November 1963 and Charnock Richard between junctions 27 and 28 following in July 1963.[44][48] These initial sites set the standard for integrated rest facilities amid rapid post-war infrastructure growth. Over time, expansions have prioritized HGV parking to address lorry driver welfare and congestion, as seen in recent upgrades at sites like Lymm (with planned increases in HGV parking spaces) and Tebay (adding segregated parking areas).[49][50] These services are managed by operators such as Moto, Welcome Break, Roadchef, and Westmorland Family.[43]| Service Area | Location (Junctions) | Directions Served | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rugby | J1 | Both | Opened 2021; EV charging integration |
| Corley | J3–3A | Both | Standard full access |
| Hilton Park | J10A–11 | Both | HGV parking emphasis |
| Stafford (South) | J14–15 | Southbound | Direction-specific slip roads |
| Stafford (North) | J14–15 | Northbound | Direction-specific slip roads |
| Keele | J15–16 | Both | Early 1960s opening |
| Sandbach | J16–17 | Both | Full interchange access |
| Knutsford | J18–19 | Both | Regional connectivity |
| Lymm Truckstop | J20 | Both | Truck-focused with EV options |
| Charnock Richard | J27–28 | Both | 1960s pioneer site |
| Lancaster | J32–33 | Both | Bridge-linked facilities |
| Carnforth | A6 near J35 | Both | Truckhaven operator |
| Burton-in-Kendal | J35–36 | Northbound | Rural access |
| Killington Lake | J36–37 | Southbound | Scenic location |
| J38 Truckstop | J38 | Both | HGV-oriented |
| Tebay | J38–39 | Both | Farm-based, family-owned |
| Southwaite | J41–42 | Both | Northern rural stop |
| Todhills | J44–45 | Both | Terminal area access |
Amenities and operators
The M6 motorway's service areas are primarily operated by major companies including Moto, which manages several sites such as Stafford Northbound, Lancaster, and Rugby; Welcome Break, overseeing locations like Corley, Keele, and Charnock Richard; Roadchef, responsible for Stafford Southbound and Killington Lake; and Westmorland Family, running the independent Tebay services with a focus on farm-fresh offerings.[43] These operators maintain a network of 18 service areas along the route, providing essential stops for motorists.[43] Amenities at these services typically include fuel stations offering petrol, diesel, and increasingly liquefied natural gas for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs); 24/7 food courts featuring brands like Starbucks, Burger King, and Greggs for quick meals; dedicated HGV parking and services; children's playgrounds; and pet exercise areas to accommodate family and commercial travel needs.[43] Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure has expanded significantly, with rapid chargers available at multiple sites; for instance, by late 2024, Rugby Services featured 24 high-power GRIDSERVE bays, while Tebay offered 28 DC points including Tesla-compatible units, contributing to over 100 EV charging points across M6 services as adoption grows toward 2025 targets.[45][51] Unique features distinguish certain operators, such as Tebay Services' emphasis on organic, locally sourced food from Cumbrian farms, sustainability initiatives like zero-waste kitchens, and high customer ratings—earning it the UK's first five-star motorway service area status from VisitEngland, with ongoing recognition for eco-friendly practices.[52][53] At Rugby Services, the 2021-opened Electric Super Hub provides ultra-rapid charging powered by 100% net-zero carbon energy, enhancing accessibility for EV drivers on this busy corridor.[45][54] Economically, M6 service areas attract millions of annual visitors, supporting thousands of local jobs through operations like Moto's 6,000-strong workforce across its network and Roadchef's 3,600 employees serving 52 million customers yearly; these facilities contribute to regional employment in hospitality, retail, and maintenance while bolstering the UK's £127 billion visitor economy.[55][46]Junctions and connections
Major junctions
The M6 motorway's major junctions serve as vital nodes in the UK's strategic road network, linking it to other primary motorways, trunk roads, and key economic centers while managing high volumes of inter-regional and international traffic. These interchanges are designed to handle diverse flows, from freight to tourism, but several are recognized as congestion hotspots due to their proximity to urban areas and ports. For instance, the section around Junctions 16 to 19 carries substantial daily traffic, contributing to delays in the Cheshire and Merseyside regions.[2] Overall, the motorway connects to the M1 at its southern end near Rugby, the M5 and M42 for access to the West Midlands and Birmingham Airport, the M61 near Preston, and the A74(M) at the northern terminus, which seamlessly continues as the M74 into Scotland, supporting cross-border travel.[56][57] Junction 6, commonly known as Spaghetti Junction or the Gravelly Hill Interchange, stands as the Birmingham hub, integrating the M6 with the A38(M) Aston Expressway and A5127 to facilitate access across the West Midlands conurbation. This multi-level structure, spanning five tiers and accommodating up to 200,000 vehicles daily in peak periods, was completed in 1972 at a cost of £10 million and engineered for a 120-year lifespan to withstand heavy urban loading.[58][59] Further south, Junction 8 at Ray Hall marks the northern terminus of the M5, channeling traffic toward the West Country and southwest ports while integrating with local routes in Walsall; it handles critical freight links but experiences weaving issues due to close proximity to adjacent interchanges. Junction 9 at Wednesbury provides connections to the A461 and onward routes toward Birmingham Airport via the M5/M42 network, supporting aviation-related logistics in the Black Country area.[56] In the central section, Junction 16 links to the M58, offering direct access to Liverpool and the Port of Liverpool, a major gateway for international trade; this interchange plays a key role in the Northern Powerhouse economy by enabling efficient movement of goods to and from the northwest ports.[60] Junction 21A, the Croft Interchange (opened 1974), connects to the M62 for Manchester and eastern routes, carrying around 120,000 vehicles daily and serving as a relief point for trans-Pennine travel.[7] It underwent significant upgrades in the 2010s and 2020s, including conversion to all-lanes-running smart motorway technology with the project completed in December 2024 to enhance capacity and reduce bottlenecks.[7] Junction 10, meanwhile, emerges as a primary congestion hotspot with peak flows exceeding 100,000 vehicles per day, exacerbated by its role in distributing traffic to Wolverhampton and Walsall; £78 million enhancements, completed in March 2024, widened approaches to better manage these volumes.[61][62] Toward the north, Junction 36 at Crooklands represents the start of the M6's Cumbrian extension toward Carlisle, intersecting with the A590 and A591 to provide essential access to the Lake District National Park and western Scotland via the A74(M). This junction supports tourism and local commerce, with ongoing maintenance addressing structural demands from scenic but challenging terrain.[63] The full list of the M6's 45 junctions details all access points, but these major ones underscore its role in national connectivity.Full junction list
The M6 motorway comprises 45 numbered junctions from J1 near Rugby to J45 at the Scottish border near Gretna, along with several lettered auxiliary junctions. The route is toll-free except where paralleled by the tolled M6 Toll between J3a and J9. Junction numbering is consecutive northbound, with anti-clockwise equivalents for southbound access where applicable; notable gaps include no standard J24 northbound exit. Slip road configurations vary, with some junctions featuring partial or directional access only. Enhancements at J10, including bridge replacements to increase capacity, were completed in 2024 to reduce congestion.[61] The following table provides a comprehensive list of all junctions, including road connections, locations, and slip road details.| Junction | Road Connections | Location | Slip Road Configuration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catthorpe (M1 J19) | M1 southbound, A14 | Catthorpe Interchange, near Rugby | Full access both directions | Southern terminus; connects to M1 and A14. |
| J1 | A426 (Rugby Road) | Long Lawford | Full access both directions | Roundabout interchange. |
| J2 | M69, A46, A4600 (Coventry Road), B4065 | Ansty Interchange, near Coventry | Full access both directions | - |
| J3 | A444 (Bedworth Bypass), B4113 (Coventry Road) | near Nuneaton | Full access both directions | - |
| J3a | M6 Toll, M42 northbound | Coleshill Interchange | Northbound entry/exit; southbound entry only | Start of M6 Toll parallel. |
| J4 | M42 southbound, A446 | Coleshill Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J4a | M42 southbound | Water Orton Interchange | Southbound entry/exit only | - |
| J5 | A452 (Sutton Coldfield) | Castle Bromwich Interchange | Northbound entry/exit only | - |
| J6 | A38(M) (Aston Expressway), A38, A5127 | Gravelly Hill Interchange (Spaghetti Junction), Birmingham | Full access both directions | Complex multi-level interchange with M5 and A5127. |
| J7 | A34 (Walsall) | Great Barr Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J8 | M5 (West Bromwich) | Ray Hall Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J9 | A461 (Darlaston) | Wednesbury Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J10 | A454 (Walsall), B4464 | Bentley Interchange, Walsall | Full access both directions | Enhanced with new four-lane bridges completed in 2024.[61] |
| J10a | M54 (Telford) | Essington Interchange | Southbound entry/exit only | - |
| J11 | A460 (Wolverhampton), A462 (Walsall) | Cannock | Full access both directions | - |
| J11a | M6 Toll | Great Wyrley | Southbound entry/exit only | End of M6 Toll parallel. |
| J12 | A5 (Watling Street) | Gailey | Full access both directions | - |
| J13 | A449 (Stafford) | Dunston | Full access both directions | - |
| J14 | A34, A5013 (Stone) | Creswell | Full access both directions | - |
| J15 | A500 (Stoke-on-Trent) | Hanchurch | Full access both directions | - |
| J16 | A500, B5078 (Crewe) | Barthomley | Full access both directions | - |
| J17 | A534 (Congleton) | Alsager | Full access both directions | - |
| J18 | A54 (Middlewich) | Holmes Chapel | Full access both directions | - |
| J19 | A556 (Northwich) | Knutsford | Full access both directions | - |
| J20 | M56 (Manchester Airport), A50, B5158 (Lymm) | Lymm Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J21 | A57 (Warrington), B5210 | Woolston Grange | Full access both directions | - |
| J21a | M62 (Liverpool/Manchester) | Croft Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J22 | A49 (Warrington), A579 | Winwick | Full access both directions | - |
| J23 | A49, A580 (Ashton-in-Makerfield) | Haydock Island | Full access both directions | Large roundabout interchange. |
| J24 | A58 (Haydock) | Golborne | Southbound entry/exit only | No northbound exit. |
| J25 | A49 (Ashton-in-Makerfield) | Bryn | Northbound entry/exit only | - |
| J26 | M58 (Wigan/Skelmersdale), A577 | Orrell Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J27 | A5209 (Standish) | Standish | Full access both directions | - |
| J28 | B5256 (Leyland) | Leyland | Full access both directions | - |
| J29 | M65, A6 (Preston) | Bamber Bridge Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J30 | M61 (Preston/Manchester) | Samlesbury | Southbound entry/exit only | No northbound exit. |
| J31 | A59 (Preston/Clitheroe) | Samlesbury Interchange | Full access both directions | UK's first grade-separated junction (opened 1958). |
| J31a | B6242 (Longridge) | Haighton | Northbound entry/exit only | - |
| J32 | M55 (Blackpool/Preston) | Broughton Interchange | Full access both directions | - |
| J33 | A6 (Lancaster) | Galgate | Full access both directions | - |
| J34 | A589, A683 (Lancaster/Morecambe) | Lancaster | Full access both directions | - |
| J35 | A6070 (Carnforth) | Carnforth | Full access both directions | - |
| J36 | A65, A590 (South Lakes/Kendal) | Crooklands | Full access both directions | - |
| J37 | A684 (Kendal) | Sedbergh | Full access both directions | - |
| J38 | A685, B6260 (Tebay) | Tebay | Full access both directions | - |
| J39 | B6261 (Shap) | Shap | Full access both directions | - |
| J40 | A66 (Penrith), A592 (Windermere) | Penrith | Full access both directions | - |
| J41 | B5305 (Carlisle) | Catterlen | Full access both directions | - |
| J42 | A6, B6263 (Carlisle) | Carlisle (Golden Fleece) | Full access both directions | - |
| J43 | A69 (Carlisle/Haltwhistle) | Carlisle | Full access both directions | - |
| J44 | A7 (Carlisle/Hawick), A689 | Carlisle South | Full access both directions | - |
| J45 | A74(M) (Scotland), A6071, B7076 | Guardsmill, Gretna | Full access northbound; southbound start | Northern terminus; connects to A74(M). |