Need to strengthen track bed leads to tunnel closure by Network Rail

A stretch of the Cumbrian Coast Line has been closed after Network Rail found the track bed needed strengthening.

Track and drainage renewal inside Bransty Tunnel was announced in March, with the project expected to take three weeks from the end of August.

However, while assessing the site prior to work starting, Network Rail (NR) engineers have found areas under the rails need strengthening to cope with the heavy plant and machinery used for the work.

“Specialist engineering teams are now planning exactly how to carry out the extra ground strengthening work,” a statement said.

NR said that while it’s not yet known what’s caused the conditions underground, the rails inside Bransty Tunnel have been affected by floodwater containing iron ochre in recent years. This is thought to have penetrated the tunnel structure from historic mines nearby.

As a result, the tunnel has been closed until further notice, meaning trains are not running between Sellafield and Workington.

As well as Northern passenger services using the route, DRS also accesses Sellafield and Drigg with nuclear and aggregates trains respectively.

Darren Miller, Network Rail North West Route Infrastructure Director, said: The preparatory surveys have revealed previously unknown ground conditions which we need to investigate further so we can carry out repairs and get the line reopened as soon as possible.

“We’re working closely with train operator Northern and our freight customers on alternative routes and rail replacement bus services.”

The work means track renewal is likely to take place later than expected though precise timeframes are not yet finalised.