SEA defences are set to be installed to protect the railway line between Workington and Flimby.
Network Rail has submitted plans to Allerdale council install rock armour sea defences to protect the coastal line.
The 56,000sq ft defences are planned in the shore area opposite the New Balance factory.
The line, which links Workington to Maryport, Aspatria and Carlisle, had to close after storms in 2013 damaged low-lying cliffs and undermined the railway.
Temporary defences were installed in February 2014 to allow the line to reopen but permanent measures are needed to protect the line.
In a report to Allerdale council planners, Network Rail said the proposed scheme would protect against a one-in-200-year storm event, the minimum industry-standard level of protection.
The existing coastal footpath would be affected by the work and could be diverted behind the defences.
A planning decision is expected soon.
It is believed that Network Rail is storing rocks on its land near the shore ready for work to begin if the plans are approved.
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