UK’s Network Rail has reopened the railway line that runs between London and Scotland via the West Midlands and north-west, following the completion of multiple upgrade works.

The refurbishment projects saw further progress made to the Ordsall Chord development in Manchester and track was renewed on the West Coast main line through Northchurch Tunnel near Berkhamsted, as well as on the line between Preston and Carlisle.

Network Rail also replaced a railway bridge in Albrighton, carried out improvements in Watford, and removed an old ‘cattle creep’ that allowed cows to walk under the railway between Buxton and Stockport.

Network Rail route managing director Martin Frobisher said: “This work was part of our ongoing railway upgrade plan, which will provide customers with a better railway.

"The projects saw further progress made to the Ordsall Chord development in Manchester, and track was renewed on the West Coast main line through Northchurch Tunnel.."

“There is never a good time to carry out work that affects services, but we worked closely with the train operators for it to cause the least amount of disruption.

“I would like to thank passengers for their understanding while we completed these vital upgrades.”

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Network Rail currently owns and operates about 20,000 miles of track and 40,000 bridges, as well as a number of viaducts, signals, level crossings and stations across the UK.

The railway upgrade plan includes an investment of £40bn for five years to 2019, and has been designed to build better infrastructure and ensure faster railway service throughout the country.


Image: The new bridge deck being installed at Albrighton station. Photo: courtesy of Network Rail.