Garsdale Grade II signal box on one of the most beautiful lines – Settle to Carlisle Line – has been restored to enhance travel for passengers and improve the movement of freight.
The refurbishment work includes repairs to the structural timbers of the 111 year old signal box on the Settle and Carlisle railway line, along with repairs to the electronics and outside cladding. Installation of new windows and a new roof were also carried out.
The work at Garsdale signal box is part of the £500,000 Great North Rail Project investment. Earlier this year, the Ribblehead Viaduct also on the Settle to Carlisle line saw an investment of a £2.1m upgrade.
Visit Network Rails website to read more about their work looking after their heritage structures.
Rachel Slater, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We take great care to maintain heritage structures on the railway and the Settle to Carlisle railway line is no exception.”
“The historic signal box in Garsdale has been restored to its former glory as part of a half-a-million-pound Great North Rail Project investment. This will secure future journeys for passengers and freight on this iconic north west route.”
Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern, said: “The refurbishment of Garsdale signal box is an important investment in railway infrastructure. Not only will it protect a historic asset, but it will mean that today's railway continues to be able to operate.”
“Customers travelling with us on the Settle and Carlisle route will benefit from improved reliability on this section of the line.”
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “This is fantastic news and my thanks go to the Network Rail engineers who have been working hard to get this refurb done.”
“The iconic Settle to Carlisle line is such an important route both for people getting to and from work and tourists visiting the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.”
Richard Morris, former chairman of the friends of the Settle to Carlisle line, said: “We're delighted with the completed refurbishment of Garsdale signal box, following on the similar work carried out at Appleby last year. We really appreciate Network Rail's rolling programme to preserve our heritage and keep all the signal boxes along the line in the best possible condition.”
