Network Rail is to begin the next phase of its £1 billion railway electrification upgrade programme across the north.

The scheme will see the line between Poulton-Le-Fylde and Salwick upgraded to prepare for electrification of the route from 2018. Work will start on Saturday, 21 January.

So far, the Northern Programmes initiative has already delivered the electrification of the line linking Wigan with Manchester and Liverpool.

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Works will include remodelling tracks into Blackpool, Kirkham and Wesham, including major changes being carried out to platforms. The works will allow trains to run more efficiently and reduce delays, providing a better services for passengers.

To deliver the scheme, Network Rail said there will be alterations to train services for 10 weekends from Saturday.

Alison Rowley, programme manager for Network Rail, said: "The upgrade and wider investment will result in a better and more reliable railway that will serve passengers for many decades to come and help boost the economy across the north of England.

"We are working closely with Northern to minimise the disruption to passengers and raise awareness of these changes to weekend train services between Preston and Blackpool."

(LM)