Bransty Tunnel essential track upgrade: Amended service between Lancaster / Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle from Saturday 30 August to Sunday 21 September 

Route(s) affected

between Manchester Airport / Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness, between Lancaster and Carlisle, and also between Barrow-in-Furness and Millom / Sellafield / Maryport / Carlisle

Description

Engineering work is taking place between Bootle and Workington, closing various lines. Background information on the work can be found below.

Saturday 30 August to Friday 12 September:

Saturday:

Buses replace trains between Millom and Workington.

Sunday:

Buses replace trains between Barrow-in-Furness and Workington.

Monday to Friday:

Buses replace trains between Sellafield and Workington.

Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 September:

Buses replace trains between Sellafield and Workington.

Background information:

During this 3-week line closure for essential track upgrade work, Network Rail will be replacing railway lines and sleepers, track foundation stone (ballast) and drainage through the 1km long Bransty Tunnel which connects Whitehaven and Corkickle.

In recent years the tunnel has been flooding with water containing iron ochre, understood to be from historic mine workings, which has resulted in train speed restrictions. Once the work is complete it will mean faster and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight on the Cumbrian Coast Line. More information on this project is available on the Network Rail website.

Check before you travel:

You can plan your journey using the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner

Replacement Bus Travel Advice:

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.