£4.5m upgrade to protect Cumbrian coast line

Network Rail is investing £4.5m to safeguard the Cumbrian coast line by strengthening Eskmeals viaduct. The project will see the replacement of wooden beams with a more durable synthetic material, doubling the structure's lifespan.

To minimise disruption, the new beams will be transported by rail and the old ones recycled. However, the work will require a 16-day closure of the viaduct between 6 and 23 September, with a further three-day closure at Barrow. Replacement bus services will operate during these periods.

Jonny Rayson, Network Rail’s works delivery manager, said: “This £4.5 million project to replace the timbers of Eskmeals viaduct will make journeys more reliable for years to come. Using synthetic materials instead of wood means there is an increased life expectancy, reduced maintenance costs for Network Rail and reduced disruption for passengers and freight operators.”

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, added: “This investment is welcome news and will benefit passengers in the long term.”