Disruption on Harrogate line continues after Horsforth rail tunnel problems

Are Harrogate trains to Leeds and York running normally today after the Horsforth-Weeton tunnel was closed yesterday for safety reasons? The good news is to a degree.
Northern rail said yesterday the Horsforth-Weeton tunnel was experiencing safety issues.Northern rail said yesterday the Horsforth-Weeton tunnel was experiencing safety issues.
Northern rail said yesterday the Horsforth-Weeton tunnel was experiencing safety issues.

Network Rail, the body in charge of rail infrastructure, has visited the site and the line has reopened partially with a speed restriction on the tunnel and reduced speed on all lines.

The Harrogate Advertiser visited Harrogate station this morning and learned that there is a 20mph through the Horsforth tunnel.

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The two-mile long tunnel, which was built in the Victorian era, has experienced various problems over the years, including flooding at times.

A block of the tunnel, which is 2.138 miles long (3.441 km) is believed to have come loose this time.

Yesterday, Sunday saw the line between Weeton and Horsforth closed and trains unable to run.

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Some Harrogate-Leeds and Harrogate-York trains were completely cancelled while others saw passengers have to get off at Horsforth and use a replacement bus service provided by rail operator Northern.

Northern tweeted yesterday: "Due to a tunnel being closed for safety reasons, services between Harrogate and Horsforth (in both directions) are currently unable to run. There is currently no approximate time for normal service resumption. Network Rail staff are currently on-site and examining the tunnel."

The issue also effected Harrogate's prized new direct London services on the state-of-the-art Azumas which travel via Leeds.

LNER yesterday apologised to passengers that "due to urgent repairs to a tunnel between Harrogate and Leeds, all lines are expected to remain blocked until 12:00 tomorrow.

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"All LNER services to/from Harrogate will start/terminate at Leeds."

It is not yet known how long the 20mph speed restriction will last.