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Thursday 5 Apr 2018

Leeds to Ilkley line to undergo repairs after landslip closes tunnel

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Rail diversions in West Yorkshire will stay in place until Monday after a landslip above a tunnel caused extensive damage.

Shortly after 18.00 on Tuesday 3 April, the driver of a Northern train between Ilkley and Leeds reported seeing a tree perched precariously over the southern portal to Springs Tunnel, to the south of Guiseley Station.

Since then Network Rail engineers have been carrying out assessments of the damaged tunnel portal and the railway infrastructure as well as making plans to clear away the 80tonnes of fallen debris, which includes large trees and soil.

Repairs are now underway but are likely to take several days, and Network Rail and Northern are advising passengers travelling between Leeds and Ilkley to check before they travel, with alternative arrangements in place.

Chris Gee, head of operations for Network Rail said: “The downpours of the past week have caused some of the embankment above the southern end of this short tunnel to slip, resulting in around 80tonnes of material moving down towards the railway. Our teams have been working on site 24/7 since the landslip was reported and progress so far has been good. We’re working towards getting the direct service between Leeds and Ilkley back up and running by Monday morning and thank those who are disrupted by this incident for their patience and understanding.”