THE railway between Workington and Whitehaven will close for some time at the end of this month due to works on a railway bridge.

Passengers are being advised to plan their journeys in advance during work to replace a railway bridge on the Cumbrian Coast line this Halloween.

Ropery bridge takes the railway over a public footpath near Harrington station and is essential for the running of the railway.

On Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October the old structure will be demolished and replaced with a modern bridge which will be lifted into position by crane.

The £1.2m Great North Rail Project investment will make the railway crossing more reliable for passengers and freight above and footpath users below for decades to come.

For the essential work to take place, the railway between Whitehaven and Workington stations will need to be closed on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October.

To keep passengers on the move Northern will run a replacement bus service.

William Brandon, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We want Cumbrian Coast line passengers to avoid an unnecessary fright this Halloween weekend so I'd urge anyone travelling on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October to plan ahead so they know what to expect from their journey while the railway must be closed for this essential bridge work.

“We thank local people and passengers for their patience while we carry out this £1.2m renewal as part of the Great North Rail Project, securing the future of the railway for passengers for decades to come.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “We are sorry for any disruption during the improvements and our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work and deliver alternatives that keep people on the move.

"I would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience while this vital work is carried out.”

For more information on how Network Rail maintains bridges visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/looking-after-the-railway/bridges-tunnels-and-viaducts/

To plan your journey on the Cumbrian Coast line ahead of the Halloween weekend visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

To keep passengers on the move Northern will run a replacement bus service.

People planning to travel on the Cumbrian Coast line over the Halloween weekend are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.