Trains have begun running again over Hanslope Junction near Milton Keynes after a huge project over the festive period.

All four tracks over the mile-long section were replaced to improve points and ballast.

130 track panels were replaced, and will see around 500 trains a day running over them

The £26m project was just one of the schemes taking place over the festive period.

Whilst the line was closed, Network Rail completed other projects, such as:

• A £3.66m project to renew Platform 4 at Milton Keynes Central to improve safety and structural integrity
• A £2m project to resurface and improve stepping distances between the train and platform on Platforms 3 and 4 at Wolverton
• 1,500 metres of new track near Roade in a £600,000 project
• Work also taking place at Newport Bridge in Stafford, as part of a £5.4m upgrade to the bridge

Network Rail has released footage of the first trains to use Hanslope Junction:

“We are investing hundreds of millions of pounds to improve future journeys on the West Coast Main Line and these latest projects will make real differences to passenger and freight journeys.

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience during our work at Hanslope, Milton Keynes and Wolverton stations, and also across the wider network this festive season. With our major bridge renewal in Cumbria continuing until 15 January, we’d like to remind people to check before they travel while we make the railway fit for the future.”

Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail North West and Central region Capital Delivery director