Kilkern delivers M6 drainage improvements at Kendal

21st Jul 2026

Kilkern, working alongside Octavius, has successfully completed a critical motorway drainage and infrastructure upgrade at the M6 Junction 36 Kendal interchange.

Delivered on behalf of National Highways, the scheme was designed to address existing drainage issues by repairing damaged infrastructure, clearing gullies and installing larger diameter drainage systems. The improvements will help surface water clear faster from the carriageway and reduce the risk of future flooding.

The Kilkern team removed 660m of existing kerbing and installed new splayed and ACO kerbs. The works also included the installation of 735m of new drainage pipelines across five diameters ranging from 150mm to 750mm, the construction of six new manholes and seven new headwalls, and the installation of 11 new gullies and tails. In addition, 410m of ditches were cleared and all affected verges reinstated.

Kilkern contributing to wider package of improvements

The project forms part of a wider programme of improvements across the M6, one of the UK’s key north-south transport routes. The programme includes bridge replacement and renewal works, new safety barrier installations, carriageway maintenance, waterproofing and resurfacing.

Patrick Curran, Director at Kilkern, said:

“We are pleased to have successfully delivered this important scheme on time and within budget while ensuring disruption to road users was kept to a minimum. The completed works will help improve resilience during periods of severe rainfall and provide a more reliable journey experience for motorists using this section of the motorway.

We collaborated closely with Octavius throughout the project and are proud to have delivered another key highways scheme through a strong partnership approach.”

The successful completion of the project further strengthens Kilkern’s reputation as a leading civil engineering and highways infrastructure specialist.