London-bound trains have once again returned to Warwick and Leamington following a major infrastructure project further down the line.

Trains from Marylebone along the Chiltern main line to Warwickshire have been halted over the past week for "essential improvements" to take place.

Passengers have been thanked for their patience while Network Rail and its partners at Story Contracting worked round-the-clock to replace a bridge which carries the railway over the River Cherwell in King's Sutton near Banbury.

Bus replacements have been in place during the works.

During the closure a new 240-tonne bridge deck was lifted into place using two special rail-mounted 'Kirow' cranes. 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 ever-changing weather patterns and to help make journeys smoother.

Adam Checkley, infrastructure director for Network Rail's Central route, said: "This bridge replacement and track and drainage upgrade on the Chiltern main line between Bicester and Leamington Spa means more reliable journeys for passengers and freight.

"Thank you to passengers for their patience while we completed this essential work."

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