The Government has pledged that the funding will be found to pay for repairs to West Cumbria’s Bransty Tunnel.
The rail tunnel, between Whitehaven and Corkickle, has been shut since July 25 when Network Rail engineers started scheduled survey work inside the structure.
They initially discovered that the floor needed strengthening before any work could start and now, have found historic mine workings which ‘complicated’ the issue.
Last week, Josh MacAlister met with rail minister Lord Peter Hendy in Westminster.
At the meeting, Mr MacAlister also discussed the long-term solution to the orange water flowing into Whitehaven Harbour, and a much-needed upgrade of the Cumbrian Coast Line.
Lord Hendy agreed that repairs to Bransty Tunnel must go ahead and confirmed that the necessary funding will be found.
Mr MacAlister said also secured the Minister’s support to bring together departments across government to discuss funding for the plan to divert the orange water in Whitehaven Harbour out to sea.
A meeting with relevant ministers and agencies will take place before the end of the year, Mr MacAlister said.
On the future of the Cumbrian Coast Line, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to work with Mr MacAlister and Cumbria’s MPs and local authorities to develop a long-term upgrade plan, beginning with replacing the Victorian-era signalling system.
Cumberland Council is convening a workshop this month with officials from across government to develop options. A further cross-government meeting will be arranged in January, involving transport, energy and defence ministers alongside Cumbria’s political leaders, to agree next steps.
Mr MacAlister said: “I’m pleased to have secured clear commitments from the rail minister on all three of these vital issues.
“West Cumbria deserves modern, reliable infrastructure and a long-term solution for Whitehaven Harbour.
“I will keep driving this work forward. Progress is happening because of strong cross-party support across Cumbria to upgrade our railway and improve the resilience of the Cumbrian Coast Line.”
