Work on West Coast main line reduces risk of flooding

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Four kilometres of railway has been improved during a nine-day closure on the West Coast main line. The work involved the installation of drainage channels to prevent heavy flooding.

A ballast cleaning train was also used to clear debris from the stone beneath the railway. Cleaning the stones allows rainwater to drain away faster and makes the track more stable.

Network Rail has thanked passengers for their patience during the work.

“We know this work has meant longer journeys for some passengers, so I’d like to thank everyone impacted for bearing with us while we carried out this important work,” said James Dean, route director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route.

“We worked closely with train operators to keep people on the move and now this work is done this vital section of the West Coast main line is better protected from adverse weather for passengers and freight services.” Executive director of operations and safety at Avanti West Coast, Gus Dunster, said: “We would like to thank customers for their patience while Network Rail carried out vital works between Rugby and Milton Keynes. These improvements will help to better protect the railway from floods, helping to make journeys more reliable for our customers on the West Coast main line.”

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