Network Rail is investing £4.5 million in the Cumbrian coast by upgrading Eskmeals viaduct.

The project aims to safeguard the area against climate change by replacing the existing hardwood timber beams with material that will double the life expectancy.

This will double the lifespan of the viaduct, from 25 to 50 years.

The new materials can also be recycled or reused once their lifespan ends.

The new beams will also cut disruption to passengers, as less maintenance will be needed in the future.

The existing beams will be replaced by 190 new fabricated bearer timber beams, which will be brought in by rail to minimise travel disruption.

The current 160 timbers will then be recycled.

However, this means the viaduct will be closed to trains for 16 days, from September 6 to September 23.

There will also be an overlapping three-day closure at Barrow, from September 7 to September 10.

Road transport will serve all intermediate stations between Millom and Sellafield/Whitehaven to keep passengers moving.

The amended timetable between Barrow and Millom will reflect the timings of the rail replacement service.

Jonny Rayson, Network Rail’s works delivery manager, said: "This £4.5 million project to replace the timbers of Eskmeals viaduct will make journeys more reliable for years to come.

"Using synthetic materials instead of wood means there is an increased life expectancy, reduced maintenance costs for Network Rail and reduced disruption for passengers and freight operators."

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: "All investment in railway infrastructure is to be welcomed – particularly so when it supports the reliability of services in the long term.

"Rail replacement buses will help customers get where they want to be in the short term – and I’d like to thank them for their understanding whilst this important work takes place."