Baildon landslip: Railway line to remain shut longer than expected

The line has been closed since 5 February

A railway line near Bradford closed due to a landslip is expected to remain shut longer than initially expected, Network Rail said.

The line shut on 5 February when cracks appeared in an embankment close to the track at Baildon.

The company said the complex nature of the site meant work had progressed more slowly than anticipated.

Services were due to return from mid-March but Network Rail said it would remain closed for several more weeks.

Engineers have been working to remove more than 1,800 tonnes of soil at the site to stabilise the land.

Network Rail said engineers had been working 'around the clock'

A rail replacement service, implemented by train operator Northern, has transported passengers through the area during the closure and will continue, Network Rail said.

The company said services which run via Bradford Forster Square and Leeds and between Leeds and Ilkley were not affected.

Matt Rice, route director for Network Rail's North and East route, apologised for the delay in reopening the line.

"The site is incredibly complex which has meant work has not been able to be carried out as quickly as we were initially hoping.

"We are continuing to liaise with local residents impacted by this landslip and with various partner agencies to reinstate the train service as soon as we can while maintaining a safe working environment."