Cumbrian Coast Line to remain closed in blow to rail passengers
Network Rail has been working inside Bransty Tunnel for the last five days carrying out assessments ahead of a full track and drainage renewal in August and September.
It involved doing tests to assess any weight limits needed for the heavy plant and machinery needed for the planned renewals.
Network Rail inspection team in the tunnel in November 2023 (Image: Network Rail) However, those tests have uncovered some areas under the railway which need strengthening before any work can progress.
Specialist engineering teams are now planning exactly how to carry out the extra ground strengthening work.
After assessing the initial survey data by specialist expert engineers, Network Rail has closed Bransty Tunnel to all trains until further notice.
Rail replacement buses will continue to keep passengers on the move between Workington and Sellafield, with people advised to check nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel information.
Darren Miller, Network Rail's North West route infrastructure director, said: 'We're sorry to passengers impacted by this unexpected longer closure of the railway between Whitehaven and Corkickle.
'The preparatory surveys have revealed previously unknown ground conditions which we need to investigate further so we can carry out repairs and get the line reopened as soon as possible.
'We're working closely with train operator Northern and our freight customers on alternative routes and rail replacement bus services.
'I'd encourage anyone planning to travel on the Cumbrian Coast Line to regularly check National Rail Enquiries while we work hard to restore services through Bransty Tunnel.'
It's not yet known what has caused the conditions underground, but in recent years the tracks inside the tunnel has been affected by floodwater containing iron ochre, thought to have penetrated the tunnel structure from historic mines in the area.
Network Rail is working with the Mining Remediation Authority to determine if these latest surveys have discovered any previously unmapped mine workings beneath Bransty Tunnel.
The most recent survey data is now being processed so plans for the extra work needed to strengthen the tunnel floor can be developed swiftly.
This must be done before the track renewal can take place, and it's likely that will happen later than expected according to Network Rail.
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The exact timeframes for how long these repairs and subsequent track improvements are still being worked through but it is expected that the route could be closed until November.
Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister said he shared passengers' frustration and added that he is working with Network Rail to explore running trains as far as Whitehaven instead of just to Workington.
Rail replacements buses will not call at Nethertown or Braystones which Mr MacAlister said was 'unacceptable'.
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