Passengers thanked as Settle to Carlisle line reopens after bridge upgrades

Passengers are being thanked for their patience after work to replace two bridges on the Settle to Carlisle line in North Yorkshire.

The line reopened on Thursday (29 October) after a five-day closure to make the railway more reliable for passengers and freight.

A £2m Great North Rail Project investment saw the complete overhaul of the two bridges in Craven, Stainforth.

Both were demolished with two modern structures lifted into position by crane.

Nathaly Oshodin, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “I’d like to thank local people and passengers for their patience during this £2m renewal as part of the Great North Rail Project. Now these bridges are both up to modern standards it will mean better, more reliable journeys on the Settle to Carlisle line for decades to come.”

Steve Hopkinson, regional director at Northern, said: “The work carried out by Network Rail has future-proofed one of the most picturesque routes in the country. I’m pleased to now be able to welcome customers back to the Settle and Carlisle Line and thank them for their patience during the vital work.”

John Moorhouse, chairman of the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, said: “It is good news that the line has opened on time after this essential work to ensure the future of our magnificent railway. We look ahead to better times when the potential of the line will be fully realised.”

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, said: “I welcome the bridge modification and hope it will ensure that the line maintains its success for years to come.”

The two bridges in Stainforth were replaced as part of the Great North Rail Project – a rail industry effort to deliver better stations, track and trains across the North.

Meanwhile, passengers travelling on the Settle to Carlisle line today are being advised to check before they travel because of heavy rain.

Rail travellers are being warned journeys will take longer than usual. Passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk before setting off from home.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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