Network Rail is advising Cumbrian Coast line rail passengers to check before travelling, whilst emergency repair works are completed on a damaged bridge.

On Thursday 12th March, 60mph winds and huge waves battered the railway line at Parton.

The waves brought up rocks from the beach, causing the walls and ceiling of the bridge to crack.

Engineers’ first move was to halt trains to keep passengers safe. The line is expected to reopen on the 23rd March 2020 with a single track, so a special timetable is needed.

Bus replacement services are in operation between Whitehaven and Parton until engineers can shore up the structure to allow train services to continue.

Engineers are still battling with high tides to carry out inspections of the bridge on the Cumbrian Coast line. Once complete, repairs will be carried out throughout the weekend and into next week.

More details on the timings can be found on the Northern Website

What did the officials say?

Phil James, route director for the North West said:

“I am sorry for the disruption experienced by West Cumbrian passengers following damage to the bridge at Parton after yesterday’s high tides.

“We’re working very hard to make the necessary repairs to reopen the line to passenger and freight trains while still competing with high tides.

“Passengers wishing to travel on the Cumbrian Coast line should check nationalrail.co.uk as their journeys may take longer.”

Chris Jackson, Regional Director for Northern, said:

“Our colleagues at Network Rail are working around the clock to repair the damage and get the railway up and running again.

“In the meantime, I’m calling on all Northern passengers to be patient and plan their journeys carefully. We’ve introduced temporary timetables on the Cumbrian Coast line so trains will not be running at the usual times.

“We’re doing all we can to keep people on the move and will reintroduce a full service as soon as possible.”

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