A £10 million upgrade project has been completed on tracks close to Peterborough station, allowing trains to travel at higher speeds.

Network Rail replaced two sets of switches and crossings, the specialist equipment which allows trains to move from one track to another, at Fletton Junction, and worked to renew the signalling and replace 800m of track on the approach to Peterborough station.

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Trains now approaching the station can travel at 75mph instead of the previous 40mph.

This forms part of a scheme to improve journey times across the East Coast Main Line (ECML).

Lynne Barker, Project Sponsor at Network Rail, said: "We are delighted that the completion of this project will enable tangible improvements to passengers' journeys. Previously, trains had to start slowing down almost two miles before the station, which had a knock-on effect to services following behind. Now, thanks to the completion of this project, trains can maintain their speed.  

"When taken together with the other projects that are happening up and down the East Coast Main Line, passengers can look forward to a much quicker and more comfortable journey from Scotland to London."

(CM/MH)