Carlisle bridge derailment could shut line for weeks

A railway line across northern England could be closed for weeks after a freight train derailed in Carlisle.

Wagons loaded with cement left the tracks near the Petteril Bridge junction, off London Road, shortly after 20:00 BST on Wednesday.

It caused "significant damage" to the bridge, track and lineside equipment, according to Network Rail, but no-one is believed to have been injured.

Services between Carlisle and Newcastle and Carlisle and Leeds are affected.

Network Rail, the company that manages rail infrastructure, said it was working to find out how the seven goods wagons went off the track, and inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch were examining the scene.

It initially said the route was expected to be entirely closed to all trains for several days.

But following a survey of damage to the bridge, tracks and line side equipment like signalling, it said the challenge of recovery was likely to last weeks.

Phil James, Network Rail's North West route director, said: "On the rare occasions trains leave tracks like this it can cause extensive damage and unfortunately this is no exception.

"I understand this will be extremely frustrating for passengers who rely on this crucial rail link from east to west, linking Carlisle and Newcastle as well as south to Skipton.

"We're working hard to keep people on the move through rail replacement buses while we work as fast as we can to restore the railway for passengers and freight."

Northern, which runs services on the line, said "where possible" trains would operate between Wetheral and Newcastle, and between Leeds and Appleby.

Buses will replace some rail journeys, it added.

People are advised to check the Northern and National Rail websites for information.

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