The rail line between Whitehaven and Corkickle will have its tracks replaced to try and solve the town’s orange harbour water issue.
Network Rail said it planned to renew the track and drainage through Bransty Tunnel and would release details of the closure soon.
No one source has been identified for the orange colour of the water and a task force has been set up to look at all the options to rectify the problem.
Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said on February 18 that the task force had met recently and added: “Directed by Government, agencies are now working together to develop a mutually agreed solution which we’re working hard to secure funding to deliver.
“I’ve been pushing Network Rail for some time to speed up the track and ballast replacement in Bransty Tunnel as we believe this will improve the situation with orange water entering the harbour.
“However, it isn’t the permanent solution we need and I continue to work to secure funding for a long term fix through the cross-government team I set up with the Water Minister.
“I hope to share more news on our progress soon.”
Network Rail said this week that it attended the task force meetings and was working with stakeholders in the group, including the Coal Authority and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners.
A spokesman added: “Our focus is on keeping the railway running safely through Bransty tunnel and as part of this we are planning a full renewal of the track and drainage in 2025.
“Schemes like this are costly and subject to strict processes to ensure that we adequately plan for the closure of the line and it is value for money for the taxpayer.”
It is unclear how long the work will take but Network Rail said it would release details imminently.
