Network Rail and Northern have announced that Bransty Tunnell will be expected to be closed until Spring 2026, leaving A Cumbrian MP ‘extremely disappointed.’

The extension comes after 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.”  

While 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.”

The closure has left Josh MacAlister MP for Whitehaven and Workington ‘extremely disappointed’ and ‘angry’.

Speaking about the closure Josh MacAlister said: “I am extremely disappointed that the tunnel will remain closed until next spring and angry at the disruption this will cause to passengers on the Cumbria Coast Line.

“I have received assurances that rail services will continue to run as far as Corkickle from the south and Whitehaven from the north and will raise any issues that arise with services directly with bosses at Northern.

“I have also made clear to Network Rail my strong view that the temporary treatment works on the water from the tunnel should continue throughout the closure so that we don’t see Whitehaven Harbour return to its orange state while work continues on a permanent fix to that problem. They have committed to explore this.

“Tens of millions of pounds are now needed to fix this problem. I have already made representations to the Rail Minister to ensure that we get the funding we need. But the problems in the Bransty tunnel are a symptom of years of neglect of the line under the previous government and demonstrate the urgency of a wider and significant upgrade to the Cumbria Coast Line. My Cumbrian MP colleagues and I have been calling for this upgrade since the election last year and our work continues to deliver it. We will be meeting with the Rail Minister in the next few weeks to press our case again.”

Network Rail engineers began scheduled survey work on July 25, 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.

Network Rail is continuing to work with the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, the Environment Agency and the Mining Remediation Authority, as part of a working group focussed on delivering a feasibility report, to provide funders with possible solutions on diverting ochreous water away from entering Queens Dock and the Bransty Beck culvert.