NETWORK Rail is carrying out major improvement work for rail passengers in Cumbria this spring. 

Throughout April and May, passengers are advised to check before they travel on Sundays and bank holidays as the major project is carried out. 

Around £2m is being invested in brand new drainage systems in Carlisle and Shap, Cumbria to prevent future flooding.

In the last 15 years, flooding incidents in this area have caused 15,000 minutes of train delays, Network Rail claims. The work will make sure the railway is much more reliable for passengers, especially as Cumbria faces more extreme wet weather conditions due to climate change, they said. 

Network Rail is using a bespoke 'drain train' to refurbish existing drainage systems in the area. The train, operated by Balfour Beatty, uses a hose to suck debris from the drains and remove blockages.

In total, around 3.2km of drainage will be installed, replaced or refurbished. 

Engineers will also be replacing the track and upgrading the power supply to the signalling across the north of the West Coast Main Line.

Route director Phil James said: "The new drainage systems on the West Coast Main Line in Cumbria will be fantastic for our passengers and freight customers, as the work will make sure journeys are much more reliable.

"Cumbrians are no strangers to wet weather, but we need to make the railway is fit for the future as we see many more extreme wet weather events each year. 

"To keep passengers on the move as much as possible, work is taking place mostly on Sundays. There will be rail replacement buses throughout the work. Please check before you travel in or through Cumbria in April and May."