Network Rail has released photos showing work on a £2m project to upgrade railway lines in Wigan

The route reopened for passengers on Saturday after a five-day closure for the £2m project in Parbold to improve journeys.

Network Rail and its contractor Central Rail Systems Alliance replaced 1,100m of ageing track, installed 750 new sleepers, re-used 600 existing sleepers to reduce cost and carbon footprint, laid 5,500 tonnes of new railway foundation stone (ballast) and enhanced the infrastructure to protect lines from flooding.

The renewed railway means trains can run at full speed through this section, making journeys faster and more reliable for passengers.

It also protects the line from flooding, with tracks in this area becoming deluged in the past during heavy downpours.

Brian Paynter, Network Rail track, buildings and civils portfolio delivery director, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out these important railway upgrades to improve future journeys between Wigan and Southport.

“Now our work in Parbold is complete it will mean smoother, more reliable journeys and better protection from flooding, which has been a problem in this area in recent years.”