Rail line closure due to landslip set to continue for three more weeks

Network Rail teams are making progress in their efforts to reopen the railway line through Baildon after the landslip caused it to close in early February.

New images released today show teams working on site with specialist equipment as work continues to remove more than 2,500 tonnes of soil from the land next to the line.

Engineers have worked around the clock to relieve the pressure on the land and protect the railway line, with more than 1,800 tonnes of earth removed so far using specialist road rail vehicles and excavators.

The incident has shocked residents in the nearby area and caused serious disruption for rail passengers.

Network Rail said work is progressing and on schedule, with trains set to run through the area again from mid-March.

Rail replacement services are still in place to keep passengers connected while train services are disrupted.

Passengers are encouraged to check their journey before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or Northern.

Richard Owens, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail’s North & East route, said: “Our teams are making progress in stabilising the land to allow for the railway line to reopen through Baildon from next month.

“We have had engineers on site 24 hours a day since the incident started and we continue to have teams working around the clock to make the area safe for trains to run once again.

“Network Rail is continuing to support local residents who have been affected by the landslip, and we want to thank all residents and passengers for their continued patience, understanding, and support while we carry out this vital work.”

Properties have also been affected by the incident. Previously, on resident told the T&A: "We've been here for nearly 30 years and we've never seen anything like this - it is rather worrying.

"The engineers have been working on the site 24 hours a day for the last 10 days or so to try and rectify the issue - it looks like a big job.

"We wish the people in the affected properties well - nobody wants something like this to happen to them." 

Another Baildon resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It's a bit worrying but Network Rail seems to be doing a good job of doing something about it."