Essential work will be carried out to refurbish Ravenglass viaduct, on the Cumbrian coast line, ensuring the future of this busy and essential rural route.

Gary Openshaw, Area General Manager said: “Regular maintenance is vital to the safe running and future of our railway. The Ravenglass viaduct scheme is another significant investment for the Cumbrian coast line and follows the successful refurbishment of Leven viaduct, which was completed last year.”

The project, which is costing £600,000, is due to start on Monday, 26 February and will be completed by the end of June. All the work has been planned around times when trains are not running so there will be no disruption to passengers using the line.

The project will involve carrying out repairs to the steelwork, grit blasting and painting. Although the viaduct has received regular maintenance, it has not undergone any refurbishment work since the early 1990’s and the aggressive nature of the coastal environment means this is now necessary.

Ravenglass viaduct falls within a popular tourist area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It plays host to a wide range of protected wildlife species, such as migrating birds, water voles and great crested newts.

Network Rail has consulted with the Environment Agency and Natural England and has obtained the relevant consents required to carry out this work. To prevent any impact on the local environment, protective screening will be erected on the site.

Network Rail has also consulted with the Lake District National Park Authority to ensure there is minimal disruption to local people and tourists in the area. The scheme will also require the closure of the footpath close to the viaduct. The footpath is required for access to the site and it would not be safe to allow members of the public to use it simultaneously.

Lake District National Park Authority Rights of Way Adviser Charlotte Emmens said: “Wherever possible our duty is to keep footpaths open and maintain public access. But in instances like this we have no choice but to reluctantly agree to a closure, even though we appreciate it will cause inconvenience to the public.”