Media centre

Thursday 18 Sep 2025

Whitehaven tunnel repair update for passengers and residents

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Passengers and residents are being advised of long-term plans for the Cumbrian Coast Line after the closure of Whitehaven tunnel.

Following the discovery of historic mine workings ahead of a planned track renewal specialist engineers have been working to deliver a lasting solution for the line.

The extent of the work needed means Bransty tunnel, between Whitehaven and Corkickle is expected to be closed until Spring 2026.

Network Rail is working closely with train operator, Northern, to keep passengers on trains as much as possible.

Passengers can travel across much of the Cumbrian Coast Line, except through the circa 1km tunnel that takes trains through Whitehaven into Corkickle.

Rail replacement bus services are in operation to transport passengers between the seaside resorts while the work is ongoing.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “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.”  

Matt Rice, Chief Operating Officer for Northern said: "We are sorry for the frustration that this disruption is causing, and we are working hard to keep customers moving whilst work takes place inside the tunnel. Trains are running to Whitehaven on the northern side of the tunnel, and we are now also running trains to Corkickle on the southern side. 

 "We'd like to remind customers to plan ahead and check before you travel, as journeys may take longer whilst the tunnel is closed. Details of train services and rail replacement buses can be found on the Northern website - northernrailway.co.uk." 

Network Rail engineers began scheduled survey work on 25 July 2025, preparing for planned track and drainage upgrades. However, investigations identified that the tunnel floor needs significant reinforcement to support heavy machinery required for the improvements, with the discovery of historic mining activity complicating the engineering challenge. 

The extent of strengthening work needed means the tunnel cannot safely reopen until completion of comprehensive repairs. Specialist engineers are developing detailed plans to address the ground conditions, with the tunnel expected to remain closed until Spring 2026. 

Additional ground investigations will continue around the tunnel to build a complete picture of subsurface conditions. The work forms part of broader infrastructure improvements designed to enhance reliability on this vital transport link serving Cumbrian coastal communities. 

For more information about the work, visit the Network Rail webpage.