Chiltern main line reopens after closure for new bridge

The section of the Chiltern main line reopened today (August 1) after a five-day closure which saw improvements to the route between London Marylebone and the West Midlands.

During the temporary closure, a new 240-tonne bridge deck was installed to replace a bridge which carries the railway over the River Cherwell in King's Sutton near Banbury.

The Kings Sutton bridge beams being delivered to the site (Image: Network Rail)

The Kings Sutton bridge replacement near Banbury (Image: Network Rail)

Passengers have been thanked for their patience while Network Rail and its partners carried out the work.

At the same time, more than 500 metres of railway north of Banbury station was upgraded, including the replacement of sections of track and improved drainage to deal with changing weather conditions.

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.

The Kings Sutton bridge beams being lifted into position (Image: Network Rail)

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

Chiltern Railways' commercial and customer strategy director, Andy Camp, added: "I’d like to thank customers for their patience and understanding during the five-day closure as Network Rail carried out crucial engineering works.

"Normal service has resumed and the engineering works will ensure more reliable journeys for customers travelling on the route in the future."