Rail line to remain closed for extra repairs

Extra work needs to be carried out before planned upgrades can progress

Part of a rail line will remain closed after surveys found tunnel floors need to be strengthened.

No trains will travel between Whitehaven and Corkickle in Cumbria until further notice so repairs can be carried out ahead of further upgrades.

Network Rail said it was not yet known what had caused the underground conditions inside Bransty Tunnel, between Whitehaven and Carlisle.

Assessments had been carried out earlier this week ahead of a full track and drainage renewal, which was planned to take place between 30 August until 23 September.

The operator said the upgrade was now likely to be delayed.

Replacement bus services will be in place between Workington and Sellafield.

Darren Miller, Network Rail's North West route infrastructure director, apologised.

"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," he said.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: "We understand that this news is disappointing for those who rely on the Cumbrian coast.

"We will continue to do everything we can to keep people moving along the route whilst the tunnel remains closed."

Timeframes 'worked through'

The tunnel surveys involved tests assessing weight limits for the heavy plant and machinery needed for the planned renewals.

"It's not yet known what has caused the conditions underground, but in recent years the track 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 said.

It is working with the Mining Remediation Authority to determine if the latest surveys have discovered any previously unmapped mine workings beneath the tunnel.

Bransty Tunnel has previously been affected by flooding

"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," Network Rail added.

"This must be done before the track renewal can take place, and it's likely that will happen later than expected."

It added the exact timeframes for the repairs and subsequent track improvements were still being "worked through".