Railway disruption is likely to continue until November as work continues on the Cumbrian Coast Line.
Network Rail said it had closed the line between Whitehaven and Corkicle after assessments ahead of planned work revealed areas under the tracks would need strengthening before planned maintenance could be carried out.
The line, it said, would be closed until further notice and rail replacement buses were in operation between Workington and Sellafield.
The closure already has caused widespread disruption for thousands of people.
Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said since the announcement, he has been working with Network Rail.
His request that rail replacement buses operate from Whitehaven to Sellafield will be acted on by Network Rail and buses will start from Whitehaven to Sellafield on August 11.
He added: “Northern agreed with my request to start the early morning rail replacement bus from Seascale instead of Whitehaven, meaning folk in the south trying to get to work, college or university in Carlisle can get in on time – this will start on Monday August 11.
“I’ve asked Northern to reroute the buses to cover Parton, Braystones and Nethertown stations – it is unacceptable that people in these areas will have no access to public transport for months. I’m waiting to hear back on this.
“I’ve also asked Northern to ensure consistency in letting dogs on rail replacement buses!
“Finally, I’ve written to the Rail Minister to ask for extra resources to be provided to Network Rail if this could speed up the work that needs to take place and reduce the time we’re stranded without a railway line.
“It now looks like it’ll be November before the railway reopens. I share the anger and frustration I know many of you will feel with that news.”
