Chiltern Line Banbury works completed

Upgrades to the Chiltern main line between Bicester and Leamington Spa have been completed following a five-day closure at the end of July.

Network Rail and Story Contracting used the time to replace a bridge which carries the railway over the River Cherwell in King's Sutton near Banbury. A new 240-tonne bridge deck was lifted into place using two rail-mounted ‘Kirow’ cranes.

NR says the new structure will be safe and reliable for passengers and freight for years to come.

At the same time, over 500 metres of railway north of Banbury station was upgraded, including replacing sections of track and drainage to help deal with changing weather patterns and to make journeys smoother.