Settle-Carlise railway speed restriction to be lifted

 Train speeds are set to double for the first time in 40 years as a temporary speed restriction is lifted over a mile-long section of the Settle-to-Carlisle line.

The stretch of track through Kirkby Thore has been given a thorough makeover, with Network Rail spending more than £6 million strengthening the line to protect it from sink holes caused by gypsum mining.

Network Rail route director Jo Kaye said: “The speed restriction was put on because the ground around the line was unstable and there was a real risk that it could affect the stability of the track.”

Mark Rand, chairman of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, said: “The fact Network Rail has invested so heavily to deal with the problem is an indication of the importance of today’s line, which was under threat of closure 20 years ago. The line now operates round the clock. Passenger and freight trains will benefit enormously.”

The removal of the 30mph speed restriction – which was implemented at the weekend – will mean a saving of around 90 seconds for passenger services and nearly five minutes for freight trains.


Source: cravenherald.co.uk