Signal box to be upgraded on the Settle-Carlisle line

The signal box in Garsdale is being upgraded as part of a £500,000 Great North Rail Project investment

The 111-year-old signal box’s structural timbers, outside cladding and electronics will be repaired. It will also get a new roof and windows.

The three-month upgrade started on Monday June 14.

The work has been planned so the signal box can continue operating to keep passenger and freight trains moving.

Mark Rand, vice-president of the Friends of the Settle to Carlisle line, said: “We welcome the forthcoming improvements to Garsdale signal box which was opened in July 1910, replacing two earlier boxes at what was then the very busy Hawes Junction. Besides being a junction it was where pilot engines could detach after assisting heavy trains over the ‘Roof of England’, turn round and return to their sheds at Hellifield to the south or Carlisle to the north.

“We look forward to seeing this important and historic location being carefully restored.”

Rachel Slater, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We take great care to maintain heritage structures on the railway and the Settle to Carlisle railway line is no exception.

“The historic signal box in Garsdale will be restored to its former glory as part of a half-a-million-pound Great North Rail Project investment. This will secure future journeys for passengers and freight on this iconic north west route.”

Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern, added: “The Settle and Carlisle Line is one of the most beautiful routes in the UK and we’re extremely proud to have it as part of our network.

“This restoration and upgrade shows the real value of the Great North Rail Project and the work of all partners to not only improve the railway, but also to keep alive its vital and historically important link to the past.”

The Garsdale improvements follow a major £2.1m investment to upgrade Ribblehead Viaduct on the same railway line earlier this year.