Train line closed after 'unusual' sinkhole opens beside tracks

An Ayrshire train line has been forced to close after an “unusual” sinkhole was discovered beside the tracks on Saturday.

Network Rail have announced that the track between Kilmarnock and Barassie will be closed for a “number of weeks” as repairs are carried out on the line.

Engineers have set up an exclusion zone around the site while they try to confirm the cause of the hole, as well as its exact size and depth.

Replacement bus services have been put in place while train services on the line remain suspended.

Trains running to Glasgow from Kilmarnock and Barassie will operate as normal.

Tom Podger, project manager for Network Rail, said: “Holes like this are very unusual on the railway and we’re working with the Coal Authority to identify the cause, as well as finding a solution to make the railway safe for trains to pass again.

“We understand the inconvenience this incident will cause to some passengers, and I’d like to thank those customers for their patience and understanding while work continues.”

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