Network Rail carries out major work in Whitby to keep trains running safely

Over the past several months, Network Rail has been monitoring the embankment, which is on the west bank of the Esk and to the south of the A171 bridge, after minor movement was detected.

Network Rail is carrying out preventive work to stop this movement and to remove the risk of a landslip.

Landslips pose a safety risk to train services and cause major disruption to services, so the group says it is vital this work takes place now.

As part of the work, trees and plants have been cleared from the embankment.

This is necessary as trees and their roots can cause movement which can lead to landslips.

Teams have also removed impacted soil from the top half of the embankment, and this will be replaced with rock.

To allow the work to take place safely, a section of the Esk Valley Walk public footpath which passes through the caravan park has been closed.

The footpath at the bottom of the embankment remains open. The work will not impact on train services.

Network Rail has been in touch with residents in the area to advise them of the work, which will complete before Christmas.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “Keeping passengers moving safely and reliably is our top priority, and carrying out this preventive work will enable us to keep doing that.

“The work will mean some short-term changes to a public footpath in the area, but we plan to have it back open as soon as possible."

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you,

Jean MacQuarrie, Editor-in-Chief