Repairs will soon be complete on a section of the Cumbrian Coast line left badly damaged by three consecutive storms earlier this year.
High tides, strong winds and heavy rain brought by Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge caused structural damage to a bridge carrying the railway at Parton.
Both lines have been closed since March so the bridge could be completely replaced to make the railway safe and reliable again. To coincide with the full railway closure work on sea defences scheduled has been brought forward.
More than 36,000 tonnes of rock armour is being placed to protect the railway from being pounded by powerful waves.
The large boulders will better protect the exposed section of coastal railway and mean more reliable journeys for passengers and freight in the future.
Network Rail’s repair work at Parton is due to complete by the end of May, when train services will resume between Whitehaven and Workington.
However, a reduced timetable is currently in operation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Later in June, the line between Millom and Sellafield will be closed for nine days due to work planned work to renew the track at Eskmeals for Eskdale station.
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