Engineering work has virtually closed the Settle-Carlisle line thoughout March 2006 with buses replacing trains between Settle and Appleby.

Other services are also replaced by buses or re-timed.

The line has seen a big increase in traffic over the past few years and Network Rail engineers have assessed the type of renewals work required and hope to time the work to minimise disruption to passengers.

A revised timetable started on Monday 6 March, using a combination of amended train services and replacement coaches and buses.

“I sincerely apologise to everyone affected by the late notice of these service changes and the inconvenience it will cause," said area general manager Gary Openshaw from Network Rail.

"Network Rail will continue to work closely with Northern and freight operators to keep any disruption to a minimum.”

Northern Rail commercial director Chris Kimberley said: “Our main aim will be to help passengers complete their journeys, though inevitably some journey times will be extended.”

Pete Shaw on behalf of the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line added: “While it is disappointing about the short notice regarding train service alterations, the renewals work will ensure the long-term future of the line, which is all important.

"Given the fact that not so long ago the line was in danger of closing for ever, the need to upgrade the track is testament to a remarkable turnaround in its prospects.”

Network Rail is responsible for track, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations.

Northern Rail is the country’s largest train operating company, with over 2,500 train services every weekday calling at around 500 stations in the North West, North East and Yorkshire/Humberside regions, representing 20% of the national rail network.

Trains

Revised service between Leeds and Skipton, with most services extended to Hellifield

Revised service between Appleby and Carlisle

Bus-Coach

Skipton to Carlisle, calling at all intermediate stations. There will also be an express bus service

Customers travelling between Leeds and Carlisle may wish to consider alternative routes via Lancaster and Preston.

Network Rail and rail freight operators EWS, Freightliner and GB Railfreight warned people living near the Tyne Valley railway line between Carlisle and Newcastle to expect additional freight trains throughout March. The trains are being from the Settle to Carlisle route which is closed for track renewals work.

Normally 25 freight trains a day use the line as well as passenger services. The majority of them run during the day, with a handful operating overnight. From Monday 6 March, that number will increase to approximately 65 with around half running during the night.

Network Rail's Mr Openshaw said:  “The Settle and Carlisle route is one of the key freight routing corridors on the rail network, delivering coal from Scotland to Yorkshire power stations and materials to British Gypsum. 

"During the closure of this route, the only practical alternative diversionary route for these services is the Tyne Valley line.  These trains form part of an important supply chain for the electricity supply industries, so it is vital that they continue to run.” 

EWS is to run two "double length" coal trains a day of 42 wagons, pulled by two locomotives.  This will increase the amount of coal delivered during one train journey, which otherwise would require two trains.

A train of this length will deliver enough coal to meet the electricity requirements of over 300 homes for an entire year.

Information from Network Rail and Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line

Network Rail

Northern Rail

Friends