New reports have come in that Network Rail has started work to build a temporary railway station on the north side of the River Derwent at Workington. This temporary station is aimed to help ease the access problems that people of the town are experiencing following the big floods.

Over the past 24 hours or so the company has identified a site for a new temporary station that could help alleviate some of the problems that have been experienced by residents in this area, as well as surrounding areas. The new station will be built on waste land just over a half mile to the north of the existing station. It will be reconnecting the two halves of the town that have been cut off following flood damage to the footbridge and road bridges in that area.

The director of operations and customer services for Network Rail, Robin Gisby, said that they have a wealth of experience and engineering expertise that they felt should be put at the disposal of the Cumbrain authorities. He said that his people will work round the clock to build a temporary rail station, north of the river, to help reconnect the town and ease travel problems.

Network Rail has already agreed to a two year lease on the land, which is owned by Allerdale Borough Council. The two platform station linked by a footbridge will have lighting, a waiting room, and a gravel car park. It will be built and ready for the first passengers by the coming weekend. Network Rail says that the sooner it’s up, the better. This explains why the project has been pushed out the door so quickly.