THE Settle to Carlisle railway line is to close for nine days to herald the start of a £58 million investment programme.

Network Rail will begin work on Saturday May 13 as it starts a programme of heavy investment across the entire 72 miles of the route, and track renewal at a number of sites.

Further works will be carried out in July and December.

In total, 11,316 yards of track (almost six-and-a-half miles) will be replaced.

This will be held in place by 4,825 new sleepers of which 305 are made of steel, the remainder being concrete. The new track will be bedded into 38,500 tonnes of grey stone chippings.

As well as the track work, Network Rail will take the opportunity to carry out repair work on Lunds and Ais Gill viaducts while the line is closed.

Gary Openshaw, Network Rail's area general manager for Lancashire and Cumbria, explained: "This major track upgrade project will improve the performance of the railway, bringing long-term benefits to passengers and freight operators.

"The demands on this line are growing. Currently, up to 22 trains a day are bringing coal from Scotland to power stations in the Aire and Trent valleys. These trains can have up to 19 wagons and each wagon carries 100 tonnes of coal.

"Network Rail is looking to the future of the line by carrying out this programme, ensuring the line can continue to provide a good service to passengers and freight alike."

While the line is closed, northbound trains from Leeds will terminate at either Hellifield, Long Preston or Settle, depending on the service.

Passengers will then continue their journey on replacement buses towards Carlisle.

The reverse arrangements will be available for southbound passengers.

Details of the later closures are still being finalised by Network Rail and train operator Northern.

Passengers are advised to call national rail enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk nearer the time for precise details of replacement bus services.