Network Rail has completed a £320 million track upgrade project to connect Oxford city centre with London Marylebone.

The scheme involved redeveloping the previous 20 – 40 mph branch line into a 100 mph main line.

The final track installations were completed around Peartree and Wolvercote in Oxford.

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The scheme was part funded by a £130 million investment from Chiltern Railways, who will begin running new services on the line from December.

Dave Penney, Managing Director at Chiltern Railways said: "With the track now laid from our new station Oxford Parkway through to Oxford city centre, we can look forward to the first trains running on 12 December. The new rail line will bring significant social, economic and environmental benefits to those living and working along the route and will be the completion of first new rail link between a major British city and London for over 100 years."

(LM/CD)