Network Rail has given advance warning that there will be a 23-day closure of the Cumbrian Coast Line between Sellafield and Workington from Saturday, 30th August.

The closure is necessary because part of the line has been affected by water contaminated with ochre from abandoned mines flowing through Bransty tunnel at Whitehaven before it is discharged into Whitehaven Harbour.

First reported in December 2022, the discharge of the contaminated water is subject to ongoing discussions with several public bodies and local stakeholders.

In the interim and separate from those discussions, Network Rail will replace the track and drainage in Bransty tunnel to ensure its long-term future.

This work is part of Network Rail’s normal track and drainage work and is not designed to solve the problem of discoloured water being discharged into Whitehaven Harbour, because that is caused by the ochre-contaminated water flowing from the abandoned mines.

To ensure it has the necessary permits and permissions for the work, Network Rail has been liaising with the Environment Agency and the Mining Remediation Authority, formerly the Coal Authority.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, commented that work to protect the reliability of the rail infrastructure is essential for delivering its services and is always welcome despite the short-term disruption. More details about alternative travel plans will be released closer to the date to ensure customers can still travel to their desired destinations during the line’s closure.

The need to ensure the reliability of the Cumbrian Coast Line’s infrastructure was reinforced when there was a derailment at Grange-over-Sands in March 2024.

“We know that local residents are frustrated about the historic mine water in Whitehaven harbour. Our focus is on keeping the railway running safely through Bransty tunnel. We have had to take extra time to carefully plan this work and gain the necessary permissions. We are now fully committed to delivering a full renewal of the track and drainage in August.”

Phil James, North West route director, said: