Train services resume after work on railway viaduct over River Derwent

Commuters in west Cumbria were initially informed of potential disruptions lasting several weeks.

Urgent repair work began on the railway viaduct over the River Derwent in Workington necessitating six-week train cancellations from Workington to Carlisle at the beginning of the month. However, the work has now been completed. 

Network Rail's engineers found that the base of two supporting pillars has started to erode following an unusually wet February resulting in fast-flowing water along the river. 

Without intervention, this could cause the pillars to fail and, eventually, the viaduct to collapse.

Network Rail has closed the viaduct to all rail services while engineers deliver the repair works. 

All rail services have been cancelled for six weeks (Image: Tom Kay)

The river at this location is tidal, which means engineers can only safely carry out repair work when the tide is out.

At the time of the announcement, Phil James, North West route director, said: “Climate change is often viewed as a future problem but it’s already causing more frequent and more severe extreme weather events.

"We are now seeing the impact with more issues like the erosion of this railway viaduct over the River Derwent.  

“I’m really sorry that passengers travelling to and from Workington are inconvenienced while we carry out this emergency work.

"The repairs will take longer than usual as we are only able to work while the tide is out.

"Our engineers are currently on site with our contractors and work has already started on the repairs," he said. 

 Passengers are advised to check https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/service-updates for the latest information.