Major engineering works complete on Chiltern main line

Railway upgrades to improve journeys for passengers and freight between Bicester and Leamington Spa are now complete.

The stretch of the Chiltern main line reopened after essential improvements were completed by Network Rail and Story Contracting, to the important route between London Marylebone and the West Midlands.

Over the space of six days, the team worked round-the-clock to replace a bridge which carries the railway over the River Cherwell in King’s Sutton near Banbury.

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.

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.”

Story have actively been on site since February 2024, with the team working tirelessly around the clock to get ready for this milestone.

The team will remain on site until Winter 2024 to complete the finishing works and reprofile the Old River Cherwell to its new alignment, to meet the expectations of the Environment Agency.