The works to replace track and upgrade railway signalling systems on the Trent Valley line is officially complete and has seen the railway reopened today, for passenger travel.
The essential improvements to the West Coast main line through Staffordshire and Warwickshire come as part of a £58m investment to improve future journeys on this important stretch.
Projects to improve the passenger experience through UK rail travel are integral to encouraging more people to travel by train, in the hopes to recoup passenger numbers that were lost during the pandemic.
A project of this size saw disruptions for the local community, as it was necessary to close the line for nine days, allowing Network Rail engineers to replace 1000 metres of track at Nuneaton and install new signalling equipment for trains at Stafford. Network Rail has thanked passengers for their patience throughout this period, especially as the works coincided with the recent half term, impacting holiday journeys.
Dave Penney, Network Rail passenger director for the North West and Central region, said:
“We know this work has meant longer journeys for passengers travelling over the school half term holidays, so I’d like to thank everyone impacted for bearing with us while we carried out this essential work.
“We worked closely with train operators to keep people on the move using rail replacement buses during the nine-day railway closure. These improvements mean this vital section of the West Coast main line will continue to deliver safe, reliable journeys for passenger and freight services.”
With the essential upgrades now complete, direct trains resumed from the start of service this morning, Monday 31st October.
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