Rail passengers on the Cumbrian Coast Line passengers will see trains reinstated north of Whitehaven after the recent closure of a railway tunnel on the route.
Bransty Tunnel, between Whitehaven and Corkickle, has been shut since Friday July 25 when Network Rail engineers started scheduled survey work inside the structure.
That was taking place in preparation for upcoming major track and draining upgrades through the 1km tunnel.
However, surveys identified a section of the tunnel floor needed extra strengthening to allow for the heavy machinery needed for the improvements, and the tunnel remains closed.
Passengers have been using replacement buses between Workington and Sellafield.
But from today, Monday August 11, trains are now serving the northern part of the line to and from Whitehaven.
Passengers travelling south from Whitehaven will still need to use rail replacement buses.
Buses will continue to replace trains between Sellafield and Whitehaven, with the exception of Nethertown and Braystones stations, where buses cannot fit.
Customers travelling from these stations should speak to Northern’s customer services or workers at staffed stations to arrange taxis to these stations.
A spokesman for Northern said: “We are sorry for the ongoing disruption for customers travelling on the Cumbrian Coast Line.
“We understand how frustrating this disruption is, and we are working hard to keep customers moving whilst work takes place inside the tunnel.
“Trains are now running to Whitehaven on the northern side of the tunnel, and we are looking at the options available to be able to run trains to Corkickle on the other side.”
Brian Paynter, Network Rail capital delivery track director, said: “I’m sorry to passengers who’ve been disrupted by the closure of Bransty Tunnel and I’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience.
“We’re working on plans to make the repairs inside the tunnel so our track upgrades can then take place but while this is ongoing the tunnel will stay closed. In the meantime rail replacement buses will keep people moving on the southern section of the Cumbrian Coast Line so please allow extra time for your journey and check National Rail Enquiries before you travel.”
Network Rail added that design teams were working to come up with a solution to strengthen the tunnel floor so the planned track and drainage renewals can take place.
This additional design work has delayed the August and September work, with the tunnel expected to be closed for several months.
