Derailed freight wagons removed from Petteril Bank Junction, Carlisle

This weekend, Network Rail used an 800-tonne crane to successfully lift the vehicles over the tracks at Petteril Bridge junction.

It’s after they were involved in a derailment on Wednesday, October 19 which caused significant damage to a bridge, track and line side equipment including signalling and points cabling.

Wagon which was in river Petteril being lifted onto back of lorry (Image: Network Rail)

Since then, the railway has been closed in both directions - impacting all services on the Tyne Valley line between Carlisle and Newcastle and the Settle to Carlisle line between Carlisle, Appleby and Skipton.

Impressive drone footage captured the complex recovery operation of the wagons being rescued from the river and an embankment on Saturday November 12 and Sunday November 13.

READ MORE: Rail user says Petteril Bank derailment has caused journey disruption

They were then loaded onto the back of lorries to be taken away by rail accident investigators.

Today Monday, November 14 Network Rail’s Works Delivery team is immediately ramping up railway repairs now the recovery phase is complete.

Wagon successfully on back of low loader lorry for removal (Image: Network Rail)

It’s hoped this work will be complete early in December so train services can resume on the Tyne Valley and Settle to Carlisle lines.

In the meantime, rail replacement buses will continue to be in operation to keep passengers on the move, with people being urged to plan their journeys at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

READ MORE: Network Rail give update on Petteril Bank derailment

Craig Jackson, Network Rail Works Delivery manager, said: “The weather has hugely been on our side to remove the three stranded cement wagons this weekend and this marks a turning point in our hard work to get the railway repaired and reopen for passengers.

Close up of damage to top of wagon which was in river Petteril (Image: Network Rail)

“Now the wagons have been loaded onto lorries to be taken away by accident investigators, work can really get going to fix the track and bridge significantly damaged by the derailment.

"The railway must stay closed while we carry out these important repairs, so please check National Rail Enquiries as bus replacement services will still be in operation.”

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said: "This is a really complex operation and we are thankful for the expertise that Network Rail are providing in recovering the freight train and reinstating the track.

"Whilst there is some work to do the potential reopening of the line in December will be very welcomed by our passengers on the route.

"We will do all we can to support this. We have been providing rail replacement buses where needed and I want to thank any customers who have been impacted by the derailment for their understanding and patience.

"We look forward to operating a full train service on the route as soon as possible."

Wagon which was in river Petteril being lowered onto the back of a lorry (Image: Network Rail)