A TASKFORCE is poised to address flooding and structural issues in Bransty Tunnel, the nation's railway infrastructure bosses have said but work cannot begin until the necessary environmental permits have been secured.
Bransty Tunnel, between the railway stations of Whitehaven and Corkickle, has been closed since the summer and despite an expected reopening in the spring, Easter has passed and the line remains shut.
Rail replacement buses are being used by residents of south Cumbria as well as commuters to Sellafield and BAE while the key business route is closed.
In a statement giving its latest position on the work required in Bransty Tunnel, a spokesperson for Network Rail said that a dedicated Whitehaven Recovery Taskforce is in place "to address flooding and structural issues at Bransty Tunnel linked to historic mining activity."
"Detailed inspections are complete."
They added that "a permanent repair solution has been independently verified and is ready to be delivered.
"The next steps involve working closely with the Mining Remediation Authority and the Environment Agency to align the necessary environmental consents so that water contamination issues can be addressed alongside the repairs. We will provide a further update once we can begin work."
Bransty Tunnel was due for a renewal of its track but historic mine workings and flooding issues were discovered.
In addition to the required works inside Bransty Tunnel, the Whitehaven Recovery Task Force will be responsible for addressing the discoloured water in the town's harbour.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners believe the orange water in Queen's Dock is caused by the iron ochre in floodwater from the tunnel.
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Whitehaven and Workington Member of Parliament Josh MacAlister has said he shares the "frustration" at a "lack of visible progress" on both issues.
He said: "Last autumn, local stakeholders agreed on a solution to divert the orange water from the harbour to the north shore through a new pipe and I am confident of securing the £4 million needed to deliver it.
"I’m working with local agencies to resolve a question about the long term ownership of the pipe."
Mr MacAlister added that he is also working with ministers to secure funding for the work programme of work needed on Bransty Tunnel.
"It is a complex project that requires careful planning and the right environmental permits before work can begin."
He said: "I hold regular meetings with the leadership of Network Rail and the Environment Agency to bang heads together and drive that permitting process forward as quickly as possible. We are making progress."
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