Quarry sidings boost Settle-Carlisle freight

A major milestone in the history of the Settle-Carlisle Line was passed in late October, when connection was made between new freight sidings and the main line at Helwith Bridge, just south of Horton-in-Ribblesdale. 

Funded by Tarmac, the £5 million project will allow stone from the Dry Rigg and (hopefully soon) Arcow quarries to be taken away by rail, removing more than 16,000 lorry journeys from local roads each year, according to Network Rail. 

• For more on this story, read RAIL 787, published on November 11.