Workington to Carlisle trains cancelled for bridge repairs

All lines are blocked between Workington and Carlisle

Rail services have been cancelled for more than a week as "urgent repairs" are needed on a bridge, a train company has said.

All lines between Workington and Carlisle are blocked, with disruption expected until 23:59 GMT on Saturday 9 March, Northern said.

It means Flimby, Maryport, Aspatria, Wigton, Dalston and Carlisle will not be served during this time.

Northern said Network Rail staff were examining the bridge on Friday.

Barrow to Carlisle train services will be affected both ways and trains will either be cancelled or running only as far as Workington.

Northern said Barrow to Lancaster services will not be affected.

Phil James, North West route director at Network Rail, said: "Recent inspections of the bridge between Workington and Maryport have found the base of the columns holding up the structure have been eroded by high river levels caused by heavy rainfall in February.

"We have taken immediate action and have closed the line while we investigate further and plan the repairs.

"I am sorry for the disruption this will cause to passengers in the Cumbria.

"We are working with Northern to keep people on the move and will update passengers once we have more information"