Passengers and residents along the Cumbrian Coast Line are being advised of significant disruption following the closure of Whitehaven’s Bransty tunnel, which is now expected to remain shut until Spring 2026.
The closure follows the discovery of historic mine workings during planned track renewal works. Specialist engineers have since determined that the tunnel floor requires major reinforcement to safely support heavy machinery and future rail operations.
Survey work began on 25 July 2025 as part of scheduled track and drainage upgrades. However, investigations revealed unstable ground conditions caused by historic mining activity, complicating the engineering challenge and requiring extensive strengthening work.
Next steps will include:
- Additional ground investigations are ongoing to fully assess subsurface conditions.
- Engineers are developing a long-term solution to ensure the tunnel’s structural integrity.
- The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve reliability on this vital coastal route.
Network Rail’s North West Route Director, Phil James, commented:
“The safety of passengers and staff is our number one priority and I understand that this is really disappointing news for passengers in this part of Cumbria. Our experts have spent a great deal of time examining the data and having it reviewed by peers in the industry. They all agree that this is the right thing to do while further investigation can be carried out and a specialist plan put in place.”
The Cumbrian Coast Line is a lifeline for local communities and tourism, connecting scenic seaside towns and supporting regional economic activity. Network Rail has committed to keeping residents and passengers informed throughout the works.
Image credit: Network Rail
