Network Rail is advising passengers of their long-term plans for Bransty Tunnel, which has been closed to rail traffic.
Historic mine workings were found ahead of planned engineering work and have meant that the tunnel, which is between Whitehaven and Corkickle, is closed until Spring 2026.
Northern is running trains on most of the Cumbrian Coast Line, apart from through the 1km tunnel that takes trains from Whitehaven into Corkickle.
Rail replacement buses are in operation to take passengers between the seaside resorts whilst work takes place.
Network Rail began survey work back in July, preparing for track and drainage upgrades. However, they found that the track bed needed significant reinforcement to support the heavy machinery that would be used during the work.
“The safety of passengers and staff is our number one priority and I understand that this is really disappointing news for passengers in this part of Cumbria. Our experts have spent a great deal of time examining the data and having it reviewed by peers in the industry. They all agree that this is the right thing to do while further investigation can be carried out and a specialist plan put in place.”
Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director
“We are sorry for the frustration that this disruption is causing, and we are working hard to keep customers moving whilst work takes place inside the tunnel. Trains are running to Whitehaven on the northern side of the tunnel, and we are now also running trains to Corkickle on the southern side.
”We’d like to remind customers to plan ahead and check before you travel, as journeys may take longer whilst the tunnel is closed. Details of train services and rail replacement buses can be found on the Northern website – northernrailway.co.uk.”
Matt Rice, Chief Operating Officer for Northern
Responses
With this tunnel closed, Northern is terminating all trains from Barrow & the South at Corkickle just south of the tunnel, and all trains from Carlisle and the North at Whitehaven just north of the tunnel.
Simultaneously with this, I’ve noticed that Northern has started using 3 car Class 158 DMUs on the southern route instead of the 2 car 156’s that have always been used before. The northern route has retained 2 car Class 156s.
Does anyone know the reason for this? I suspect it may be because there are no facilities for maintenance of the 156s in Barrow and the south, but it would be interesting to hear what other people think.