No date for reopening as Bransty Tunnel work continues

The tunnel that connects Whitehaven station and Corkickle has been shut since Friday, July 25, 2025.

Following the discovery of historic mine workings ahead of a planned track renewal, specialist engineers have been working to deliver a lasting solution for the line.

The tunnel was due to reopen in Spring 2026.

But Network Rail has now said that due to the 'complex nature of this project', it is too early for them to provide a date of completion.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "We have set up a dedicated Whitehaven Recovery Taskforce to tackle flooding and structural issues at Bransty Tunnel linked to historic mining.

"Detailed inspections and an independently tested design mean a permanent repair solution is ready to be delivered.

"We are currently working very closely with our partners from the Environment Agency and the Mining Remediation Authority to accelerate and consolidate the environmental consents required before work can start.

"We will provide an update as soon as we are in a position to begin that work."

This is currently disrupting Northern Rail services running between Carlisle and Barrow.

A replacement bus is operating to allow passengers to continue with their journey on this part of the route.

Matt Rice, chief operating officer for Northern, has previously said: "We are sorry for the frustration that this disruption is causing, and we are working hard to keep customers moving whilst work takes place inside the tunnel."

He added: " We'd like to remind customers to plan ahead and check before you travel, as journeys may take longer whilst the tunnel is closed."

Details on Northern Rail services operating in the area can be found on the Northern website.