Network Rail has released footage showcasing significant upgrades on the West Coast Main Line north during the recent Easter bank holiday. Teams from Network Rail, along with hundreds of engineers from its supply chain, collaborated on essential projects aimed at enhancing future journeys for both passengers and freight.
With the railway now reopened, rail bosses are extending their gratitude to passengers whose travel plans were affected by the work. The upgrades included:
- Signalling system improvements at Kingmoor, north of Carlisle
- Waterproofing of a railway viaduct over the River Esk at Mossband
- Complete replacement of track and railway foundation stone (ballast) on sections between Carlisle and Gretna Green
To ensure safety, certain sections of the West Coast Main Line were closed to trains over the bank holiday. Meanwhile, Network Rail Scotland also took advantage of the train-free period to carry out major improvements.
Christian Irwin, Network Rail North West and Central region Capital Delivery director, said: “We’ve invested millions of pounds to improve future journeys on the West Coast Main Line north this Easter. We’d like thank our passengers for their patience with us and we apologise to those whose journeys were disrupted over the bank holiday weekend.
"Passenger numbers are lower over the Easter period, so undertaking the works here means we can minimise disruption to one of the country’s most important rail routes. These ongoing investments will see better, smoother and more reliable journeys and keep people and goods getting safely to where they need to be.”
Looking ahead, further upgrades are scheduled for the early May bank holiday, from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May. During this period, there will be fewer trains, and some journeys may require rail replacement buses. In Cumbria, work will continue on the signalling upgrades in the Kingmoor area, with trains terminating at Carlisle on Saturday 3 May and Sunday 4 May. Additionally, Euston station at the southern end of the West Coast Main Line will be closed on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May.
Image and video credit: Network Rail
