Rail line hit by landslip reopens after more than a month
Rail replacement buses have been running between Knottingley and Pontefract Monkhill since early March
A rail line between Knottingley and Pontefract Monkhill has reopened more than a month after it was hit by a landslip.
Network Rail was forced to stop trains in early March, with replacement buses running for the past few weeks.
Engineers have now installed more than 2,000 tonnes of stone and a 30m retaining wall to strengthen the land.
Initially believing the landslip to have been caused by wet weather, repair workers discovered voids under the line, believed to have been left over from mineral mining.
Jason Hamilton, Route Director for Network Rail’s North & East route, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to our passengers and lineside neighbours for their understanding, patience, and acceptance during the disruption they have faced and of the need to work around-the-clock close to their homes.
“I’m delighted that we have completed this major repair work so that the people of Knottingley and the surrounding areas can once again travel freely by train."