Tyne Tunnel Fully Reopens After 14 Months, Cumbrian Coast Line Tunnel Remains Closed

The Bransty Tunnel on the Cumbrian Coast Line between Whitehaven and Corkickle has been closed since July 25 for survey work ahead of planned track and drainage upgrades. During these surveys, Network Rail discovered that a section of the tunnel floor requires additional strengthening to support the heavy machinery needed for the work, delaying the upgrades and extending the closure to several months. While the tunnel remains closed, rail replacement buses operate between Sellafield and Whitehaven, with exceptions at Nethertown and Braystones where taxis are arranged. From August 11, trains resumed running on the northern section of the line to and from Whitehaven, but passengers traveling south from Whitehaven must still use replacement buses. Network Rail and Northern apologize for the disruption and advise passengers to allow extra travel time and check for updates. Meanwhile, freight traffic is being diverted via alternative routes due to the tunnel closure.