ENGINEERS were able to complete vital upgrades to a key railway line in Cheshire over the bank holiday weekend.

Essential work was carried out by Network Rail on a section of track on the West Coast Main Line at Preston Brook as part of a 14.5million improvement project.

The upgrade of the track, which runs between Warrington Bank Quay and Acton Bridge station in Northwich, will ensure its safe continuation for passenger and freight services going forwards.

The multi-million pound improvement scheme also saw signalling upgrades at Trafford Park, track foundation stone upgrades in Crewe and Carlisle and track replacement in Worcester and Buckinghamshire.

Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s north west and central region, said: “I would like to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out these essential upgrades to the West Coast Main Line and routes which feed into it over the late May bank holiday.

Improvement work being carried out on the West Coast Main Line over the bank holiday weekend

Improvement work being carried out on the West Coast Main Line over the bank holiday weekend

“I am immensely proud of the hundreds of Network Rail staff and our contractors who continue to make the West Coast Main Line more reliable for our passengers and pave the way for HS2, which will bring much-needed extra railway capacity as the country builds back better from the pandemic.”

Network Rail planners worked hard to reschedule planned maintenance to try to minimise disruption over bank holidays this year.

Meanwhile, travellers are reminded they must continue to follow advice on how to control the spread of coronavirus.

People should continue to follow Government guidance so they know how to travel safely.

This includes planning ahead and checking before you travel as transport services and roads might be busier as restrictions ease.