Workers have begun constructing a huge crane to heave a derailed train from a river - but the recovery date has been pushed back yet again.
Five freight wagons each filled with 80 tonnes of powdered cement came crashing down into the River Petteril, Carlisle, on October 19 after they broke free of the tracks.
It has seen commutes to Carlisle from Newcastle descend into chaos since - with Northern Rail services only able to travel as far as Haltwhistle, before passengers need to catch a bus for the remainder of the journey.
Read more: Cramlington woman spends four-and-a-half weeks in intensive care after first part of operation
It was initially predicted that disruption would last just a few weeks, but due to the unstable terrain and the tricky recovery job that lays ahead, Network Rail bosses are now hoping to have services back in action by the beginning of December.
“A great deal of preparation work has gone into the complex lifting of the wagons, with the main crane now towering above the city ready to lift - so long as the autumn weather doesn't get in the way,” said Mark Evans, senior programme manager for Network Rail.
“Once this is done our teams are poised and ready to crack on fixing the railway so we can get the line reopened for passengers as soon as possible.
“With the route expected to stay closed until the start of next month our advice is to still please check National Rail Enquiries as journeys will take longer and will involve replacement buses.”
But on Friday, Northern Rail said it will not be running buses between Haltwhistle and Carlisle this weekend. The provider apologised and advised its customer not to travel on the route on Saturday and Sunday (November 12 and 13), as it has been "unable to source replacement buses".
Engineers are now building an 800-tonne crane at Petteril Bridge, with a major compound set up at the site to get the wagons back to safety this weekend before being taken away for investigation.
Early reports from rail accident investigators found a damaged wheel was to blame for the derailment, though further tests will be needed to confirm this.
Work is also planned to repair the bridge, with 40 engineers on site each day to replace 80 metres of damaged track, install 400 metres of cabling, secure the foundations of the damaged bridge, and rebuild 41 metres of destroyed bridge barriers.
Read more:
-
Grieving Durham daughter says Matt Hancock signing up to I'm a Celebrity makes her feel 'sick'
-
Pensioner with long covid 'horrified' after paying out more than £93 in Tyne Tunnel fines
-
Widow 'furious' after Hilton cancels Christmas lunch - so they can fit vehicle charging points
-
Walker mum reveals heartbreaking struggle to feed kids and pay bills during cost of living crisis
