Viaduct work sees trains cancelled for six weeks

All lines between Workington and Carlisle are closed to enable the emergency bridge repairs

Rail services are to be disrupted for "at least six weeks" more because of the need for emergency bridge repairs.

No trains have been running between Workington and Carlisle since last Friday.

The work on the viaduct over the River Derwent is urgently required after inspectors found evidence of erosion on the base of two pillars.

Phil James, Network Rail's north-west route director, said problems like this are occurring more frequently because of climate change.

"We are now seeing the impact with more issues like the erosion of this railway viaduct," he said.

During a recent inspection, engineers found the base of two of the supporting pillars had started to erode, Network Rail said.

They added that an unusually wet February resulted in fast flowing water along the river, which damaged the pillar and riverbed.

'Really sorry'

All trains serving Flimby, Maryport, Aspatria, Wigton, Dalston and Carlisle have been cancelled for the work, Network Rail said.

Mr James said: "I’m really sorry that passengers travelling to and from Workington are inconvenienced while we carry out this emergency work.

"The repairs will take longer than usual as we are only able to work while the tide is out."

Northern said they have a rail replacement bus service in operation between Workington and Carlisle.

Passangers are being told to check the Northern website for updates.