MAJOR work to upgrade the main line at Witham to make train services to and from London more reliable have been completed.

Over the last six weekends, engineers have been on site at Witham to replace several hundred metres of track and rebuild part of a platform.

Network Rail hope the work will make the line between the capital and Norwich more reliable and reduce delays for travellers.

Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for East Anglia, said: "This work is essential to keep passengers moving on the busy main line as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.

"Installing new track makes the network more resilient to wear and defects which cause delays.

"I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out this important work."

As part of the work, four crossover sections were replaced and 780 metres of track was upgraded while nearly 6,000 tonnes of stones which make up the track bed were changed.

Two new buffer stops have also been put in place, part of platform one was rebuilt and new electrical systems for the points heaters have been installed ready for winter.

Network Rail says the size of its network and the growth in passenger numbers mean it is always working to make sure things run smoothly.

It explained that some of the work can be carried out overnight but larger projects like the one at Witham result in a planned closure of the line in order to get the work done.

More closures will take place throughout October and November and passengers should check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.