Since the 25th July, the Bransty tunnel between Whitehaven and Corkickle has been closed for survey work ahead of upgrade works.
Network Rail planned to complete drainage and track upgrades to the tunnel during the upcoming works.
However, during the tunnel survey, they found that a section of the track required extra strengthening to accommodate the machinery needed for the works.
This has resulted in the tunnel remaining closed; however, passengers using the Cumbrian Coast Line will be able to travel on trains heading North.
Those heading south from Whitehaven are still required to use rail replacement buses to get to their destination.
Buses will also be in place between Sellafield and Whitehaven, except where buses do not fit at Nethertown and Braystones.
Those travelling to those stations should speak to Northern staff to arrange a taxi to the two stations.
Planning work is underway to strengthen the track; however, this additional work has delayed the planned work, and the tunnel is expected to remain partly closed for some time.
“I’m sorry to passengers who’ve been disrupted by the closure of Whitehaven 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.”
Brian Paynter, Network Rail Capital Delivery track director
Responses
I’m glad to see that Northern are now running services to the north from Whitehaven. When the Bransty tunnel closure was first announced the plan was to run services to the north from Workington some 10 miles further north than Whitehaven, with a very long Workington to Sellafield bus substitution.
I suspect that using Workington to turn round trains was planned because this is where train crews taking trains down from Carlisle normally hand over to train crews taking trains up from Barrow.
I guess Northern has now been able to negotiate different handover arrangements with the train crew union to allow trains from Carlisle to go all the way to Whitehaven.