UPGRADE work to improve rail journeys for passengers travelling between Stourbridge Junction and Birmingham Snow Hill has now been completed.

The stretch of railway reopened on Friday November 1 after Network Rail engineers worked round-the-clock over five days to replace track and improve drainage.

The work was carried out to ensure the railway and journeys through the area remain safe and reliable.

During the closure, Network Rail engineers replaced 64 sleepers, improved track drainage, and upgraded level crossing equipment, including barriers, lighting, and cables at Cradley Heath.

More than 250 tonnes of ballast, the stones between the track and sleepers, were used across a two-mile section of track.

Special trains called ‘tamping machines’ then passed over the track to vibrate the stones and pack them tightly together, providing a firm foundation for the railway track and sleepers to sit on.

Adam Checkley, infrastructure director for Network Rail, said: "I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we completed essential maintenance work to the section of track between Langley Green and Stourbridge.

“This was essential work, carefully planned to cause the least disruption, which will help make journeys smoother and more reliable for years to come.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: "We are grateful for our passengers' patience while Network Rail completed these essential engineering works over the past week.

"We’re pleased the line has now reopened as planned and our normal timetable is now back in operation."

Michael Stewart, commercial and customer strategy director at Chiltern Railways, added: "The engineering works by Network Rail will help keep the railway safe and ensure journeys are more reliable in the future.

“I’d like to thank customers for their understanding as the upgrades are now complete and the line has been reopened.”