Major work on the West Coast main line (WCML) enabling trains to run at full speed between Coventry and Birmingham International has been completed by Network Rail.
The railway reopened on 10 October following a £1.4 million investment to improve reliability on the line.
Some 650 metres of rails, sleepers and ballast was replaced through Beechwood Tunnel near Berkswell. This will allow trains to run at up to 110mph.
Neil Gaskin, route programme director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “We know this work has meant longer journeys for passengers travelling over the weekend, 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 despite ongoing industrial action, and now work is complete this vital section of the West Coast main line will continue to deliver safe, reliable journeys for passenger and freight services.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Trains, said: “I would like to thank our customers for their patience while these important upgrades were carried out.
“This section of railway between Birmingham and Coventry is one of the busiest in the West Midlands which makes it all the more important that the tracks are kept in good order.”
