Tunnel and Viaduct work ‘storming ahead’

Work on Lindal Tunnel and Arnside Viaduct is making good progress according to Network Rail, in spite of some stormy weather.

The entrance to the Lindal tunnel before work starts

The railway line between Barrow-in-Furness and Arnside stations closed on Monday (28 March) to allow Network Rail to carry out major work to Lindal Tunnel and Arnside Viaduct.

The work at the tunnel involves rock stabilisation, shortening the tunnel by approximately 20 metres to take the entrance back to a disused ventilation shaft and installing rock netting as a preventative measure.

This work is due to take three weeks, after which the line from Barrow will reopen as far as Grange-over-Sands.

It will remain closed between Grange and Arnside until mid-July while the viaduct is rebuilt.

In the first week, all the tracks and long timber bearers have been removed from one side of the viaduct and the metal plates that form the deck are in the process of being taken up.

Replacement road transport is being provided by the train operators, who report that everything is going according to plan.