Following major work to carry out essential improvements to the Trent Valley section of the West Coast Main Line in Staffordshire and Warwickshire, the railway reopened for train services yesterday, Monday, 31st October.

During a nine-day closure of the line, Network Rail replaced 1000 metres of track at Nuneaton and installed new signalling equipment at Stafford upgraded to improve reliability for passengers on future rail journeys.

Network Rail’s work on this important part of the West Coast Main Line in the West Midlands is a part of a £58m investment to ensure service reliability and improve journeys in the future.

Network Rail has sent a message of thanks to passengers for their patience during the essential upgrades. The completion of the upgrades allows direct trains to resume, which they did from the start of service yesterday morning.

Passengers are advised that they should always plan their journeys in advance and check for last-minute changes before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

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.”