WORK is underway to remove the derailed cement freight train in Carlisle but, it could still be weeks away until the train line reopens again.

Network Rail have said passenger lines from Newcastle to Carlisle could remain closed for 'several weeks' as a result of the incident. 

Work begun to extract the powdered cement out of the three of the fully derailed wagons yesterday (October 22), of which two currently remain in the River Petteril. 

The train, which was the 5:15pm Clitheroe to Carlisle Yard freight service, derailed at Petteril Bridge Junction, on October 19. 

A massive crane is needed to lift the wagons - this is planned for install the middle of next week, with lifting due to start on October 29. 

Extracting work began after the Rail Accident Investigation Branch completed their investigation following the derailment in which no-one was injured. 

READ MORE: Major disruption after Carlisle freight train derails

A spokesperson from the RAIB, said the derailment was caused by a result of a "wheelset with false flanges encountering a set of switches that are part of the junction.

"False flanges are associated with the flat areas on wheel treads which can result when rail wheels stop rotating while a vehicle is running.

"Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident.

"It will include consideration of track conditions, the condition of the wagons, wagon characteristics, the status of the train’s braking systems and any underlying management factors.

Passengers intending to travel to Newcastle and vice versa will have to use the orchestrated rail replacement buses. 

A spokesperson from Network Rail said: "We thank people in Carlisle for their understanding while our complex work to recover the derailed freight wagons is continuing. 

"The extensive damage caused to the railway means it could be closed for several weeks. Rail replacement buses are in operation to keep passengers on the move and we’d urge anyone planning to travel to regularly check National Rail Enquiries before they make their journey.”

READ MORE: Freight train derailed as a result of 'false flanges' on wheelset