Media centre

Tuesday 25 Jul 2006

INVESTMENT CONTINUES IN SETTLE-CARLISLE LINE

Region & Route:

Network Rail is continuing its £60 million, five-year investment programme in the Settle to Carlisle line, bringing it up to standard as a heavy freight route. The programme, which involves the renovation of several structures, will result in faster and smoother journeys along the route. The current two week closure (16 – 30 July inclusive) will see plain line renewals carried out at Sherif Brow, Ribblehead, Blea Moor Tunnel, Garsdale, Moorcock, Ormside, Dent and Long Marton. In total, eight and a half miles of new rail will be laid, together with 10,000 new sleepers and 40,000 tonnes of new ballast. There will also be 10 miles of tamping work. As well as the plain line work, Network Rail will be renewing six sets of point ends in the Kirkby Stephen area at a cost of £1.2 million. In addition to the point ends, 3,200 yds of rail will be replaced as will 2,100 sleepers and 30,000 tonnes of ballast. While the line is closed, Network Rail will be taking the opportunity to carry out drainage work in Plumb cutting and at Low House, and communication cable routing. It will also continue with structures work at Lunds and Ais Gill viaducts and undertake maintenance, surveying and investigation work at various sites in preparation for future work. A further blockade is planned over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.