Trains are running again between Carlisle and Lancaster, and in Crewe, today after major improvement work over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Network Rail has released drone footage and photographs of the improvements showing work to replace track, improve signalling systems and upgrade the overhead lines which power trains on key routes through the region. It boasts of having invested £5m to improve future journeys on the West Coast main line for passenger and freight services.

The work included:

• multiple railway track upgrades along the West Coast main line between Lancaster and Carlisle (8-11 April)
• points being upgraded at Weaver junction in Cheshire on Easter Sunday
• improvements to signalling in Crewe (7-11 April)
• ongoing work track upgrades so more trains can run in future on the Hope Valley line between Sheffield and Manchester.

Further essential upgrades to improve future journeys are planned in the North West between Saturday 29 April and Monday 1 May. Network Rail is advising passengers to plan their journeys in advance by checking the national rail website.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience who faced changes to journeys over Easter while hundreds of railway engineers maintained and upgraded the West Coast main line to make it fit for the future.

“The essential work will make journeys for passengers and freight faster and more reliable. Completing these projects now sets us in good stead for the rest of the year, with more work planned over the early May bank holiday at the end of this month.”