Train services through Gloucestershire resumed this morning following the completion of a major upgrade to Gloucester signal box by Network Rail.

More than 10,000 wires were replaced in the signal box, which manages train movements to and from Bristol, Worcester, Swindon and south Wales. Originally built in the 1960s, the box contained some of the oldest signalling equipment on the rail network.

The upgrade began on Saturday 27 September, with Gloucester station and surrounding routes temporarily closed to allow engineers to carry out the work. The project is designed to ensure trains can continue to operate safely and efficiently across the county well into the future.

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During the closure, a key track switch near Gloucester station was also replaced. This crucial piece of infrastructure connects the lines for trains travelling to and from London Paddington and is expected to deliver more reliable journeys for passengers.

Network Rail Western route director Marcus Jones said: "Signalling is the most complex piece of work we do on the railway and unfortunately it’s taken longer than planned to complete.

"We're sorry for the disruption but it was essential to ensure the system was thoroughly tested so we could get trains safely back up and running again.

"This upgrade has seen some of the oldest electrical equipment on the railway replaced, and will make our signalling system more resilient and reliable for many years to come."