During a recent inspection, engineers found that the base of two of the supporting pillars have started to erode. An unusually wet February resulted in fast flowing water along the river, which has damaged the pillar and riverbed.
The repairs, which are complex due to the overall environment, are necessary to prevent further deterioration of the pillars. 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 urgent repair work.
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The work is expected to take at least six weeks. The river at this location is tidal, which means engineers can only safely carry out repair work when the tide is out.
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."
