Network Rail has completed a £76 million track upgrade project between Banbury, Bicester and Leamington Spa.

The 18-month project on the Chiltern Main Line was carried out as part of the company's £40 billion railway upgrade plan.

Engineers replaced signalling through Banbury as well as laying 14,000 metres of new rail and 50,000 tonnes of ballast. In addition, 24 new points have been installed.

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Other works included building a new fourth platform through Banbury station to provide infrastructure for a new southern depot which is currently being developed.

Martin Ball, area director for Network Rail, said: "This work was completed on time and with the least amount of disruption to passengers and is an important part of modernising the railway through the area to provide passengers with a more reliable, better railway.

"Our Railway Upgrade Plan is delivering significant investment into the railway network which will provide a better, more reliable railway for passengers."

Network Rail is also continuing with work at Hinksey near Oxford where engineers are working on an £18 million scheme to reduce flooding incidents.

(LM/CD)