Whitehaven rail line to shut for a nearly a month

Network Rail will replace railway lines and sleepers, track foundation stone (ballast) and drainage through the 1km long Bransty Tunnel which connects Whitehaven and Corkickle.

In recent years the tunnel has been flooding with water containing iron ochre, understood to be from historic mine workings, which has resulted in train speed restrictions.

Once the work is complete it's hoped it will result in faster and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight on the Cumbrian Coast Line.

It will see a closure of the line between 30 August and 22 September with rail replacement buses in place to keep people on the move.

Also, in preparation for the main phase of the renewal, the line will be closed for one weekend from late Friday 25 to Monday 28 July.

Darren Miller, Network Rail’s North West route infrastructure director said: "We thank people in advance for their patience during our extended closure of Bransty Tunnel so we can carry out essential track and drainage renewals to improve future journeys between Whitehaven and Corkickle.

"We always try to plan our improvements to cause the least disruption to passengers, which is why we have scheduled it in late summer to avoid the peak holiday season. If you’re planning to travel between 26 and 28 July and 30 August and 22 September please check National Rail Enquiries so you know exactly what to expect from your journey."

Pete Miles, environment and monitoring manager at the Environment Agency said: "We have been working closely with Network Rail and their consultants as they have developed plans to renew the tracks and ballast in Bransty Tunnel. We are satisfied that the control measures being implemented mean no release of iron ochre above that currently being observed should occur and will be inspecting the site during the works to check the impact on the harbour."