The West Coast main line is fully back to normal today, after Network Rail finished repairs to damage caused by flooding north of Carlisle.
Trains are travelling at normal speed from today, after speed restrictions had to be put in place a fortnight ago.
Some stretches of the line were under eight feet of floodwater.
Network Rail’s orange army has worked round-the-clock since the key route connecting England with Scotland was completely submerged as Storm Desmond battered the region over the weekend of the 5th and 6th of December.
Over the past two weeks engineers have built and fitted six new safety-critical electrical cabinets, installed four km of signalling cable and undertaken extensive signal testing and commissioning so the 20mph speed can be removed and a full service can run once more.
Martin Frobisher of Network Rail said: “The West Coast main line fully reopening is great news for passengers travelling on this key route. The orange army has worked tirelessly to reopen the section north of Carlisle as quickly as possible which was under eight feet of floodwater two weeks ago.
“Work has taken place round-the-clock to make repairs and clear the debris. Large amounts of signalling equipment, including these safety-critical electrical cabinets, had to be replaced and I would like to thank passengers for their patience while the work was completed.”
