The Bransty Tunnel will remain closed after surveys found structural issues requiring urgent repairs, delaying scheduled upgrades and impacting train services between Whitehaven and Corkicle. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Bransty Tunnel Repairs Disrupt Cumbrian Rail Services
Photo: Network Rail

Unexpected Conditions Delay Bransty Tunnel Upgrades

Network Rail halted train traffic between Whitehaven and Corkicle following an inspection that revealed unstable ground conditions inside the Bransty Tunnel. This tunnel, located on the Cumbrian coast line, will undergo additional repairs before a full track renewal can proceed.

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Surveys conducted earlier this week assessed the tunnel’s capacity to support heavy construction equipment. The results raised serious concerns, so engineers must now strengthen the tunnel floor before moving forward. The upgrade, originally planned for late August to September, faces a likely delay.

Network Rail has not yet confirmed the cause of the instability. However, iron ochre from historic mines may have compromised the tunnel’s interior. In previous years, floodwater containing this mineral has damaged tracks in the same location.

Bransty Tunnel Repairs Affect Regional Travel Plans

To reduce disruption, buses will replace rail services between Workington and Sellafield. Network Rail’s infrastructure director for the North West, Darren Miller, apologized for the inconvenience but emphasized the importance of safety.

Northern’s regional director Craig Harrop acknowledged the impact on passengers and pledged to support travelers along the Cumbrian coast. He assured the public that both agencies are working closely to restore services.

Meanwhile, the Mining Remediation Authority joined efforts to assess whether unmapped mine workings caused the current damage. Engineers are analyzing the latest survey data to develop a new construction plan for the Bransty Tunnel.

The revised schedule for track renewal remains under development. Network Rail confirmed that the heavy machinery required for the next phase cannot be used until the floor is reinforced.

Travelers should prepare for ongoing delays, as safety and infrastructure resilience remain the top priorities for the repair teams. Updates will follow as plans evolve and new timeframes are finalized.

Source: www.bbc.com

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