A West Cumbrian MP has issued a statement as work continues to reopen a train tunnel and discoloured water remains in Whitehaven harbour.
Bransty Tunnel, between Whitehaven and Corkickle, has been shut since July 25 last year 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.
Rail replacement bus services are in operation to transport passengers between Whitehaven and Corkickle while work in the 1km tunnel is ongoing.
Although last year it was hoped the tunnel would reopen this spring, work continues and no scheduled reopening date has been announced.
Meanwhile, water in Whitehaven harbour remains orange at certain times – although dependent on tides, it can return to a normal colour.
The orange water was found entering the harbour through a culvert in Queen’s Dock which which was confirmed to connect to the Bransty rail tunnel drainage system.
Despite investigations, the cause of the colour change remained unknown for around a year, before tests found the found floodwater from the rail tunnel contaminated with iron ochre – a byproduct of historic mine workings – as the cause of the harbour turning orange during periods of heavy rain.
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven & Workington, chairs a Whitehaven harbour taskforce.
Mr MacAlister said: “I understand and share the frustration at the lack of visible progress in tackling the orange water in the harbour or reopening the Bransty tunnel.
“I want to reassure residents that I am working hard on both of these issues and behind the scenes, progress is being made.
“Last autumn, local stakeholders agreed on a solution to divert the orange water from the harbour to the north shore through a new pipe and I am confident of securing the £4 million needed to deliver it.
“I’m working with local agencies to resolve a question about the long term ownership of the pipe.
“Alongside that, earlier this year Network Rail concluded planning for its programme of engineering works to upgrade and reopen the track through Bransty Tunnel.
“I’ve been working with ministers to secure the funding for this work.
“It is a complex project that requires careful planning and the right environmental permits before work can begin.
“I hold regular meetings with the leadership of Network Rail and the Environment Agency to bang heads together and drive that permitting process forward as quickly as possible. We are making progress.
“I’m hopeful we will be in a position to make a fuller announcement in the coming weeks with all of the details.
I am 100% committed to seeing this through and delivering the improvements our harbour and our railway need.
“My constituents should know that I am on the case with this, week-in-week-out.”
