Major rail upgrades to improve future journeys for passengers through Cheshire have been completed.

Network Rail has invested in excess of £8.5 million renewing tracks, points, bridges and platforms over the last three weeks.

The work took place during a rare 21-day closure of a 50-mile stretch of the West Coast Main Line through three counties, which enabled the renewal of the Greek Street bridge in Stockport.

Darren Miller, Network Rail North West route infrastructure director, said: "I'd like to thank passengers for their patience this August while we've had the railway closed for an extended period for these essential railway improvements.

"Now they're complete, our multi-million-pound investment will improve future journeys through Cheshire and on the wider West Coast Main Line, keeping passenger and freight trains moving safely and smoothly on one of the busiest routes in the country."

Engineers at Macclesfield station during the railway closure (Credit: Network Rail)

With no train traffic on the tracks, railway workers were able to complete the essential infrastructure upgrades over a wide area.

In Cheshire, this work includes new track, points and overhead lines in Macclesfield as well as switches and crossing renewals.

Track upgrades were completed in Congleton along with platform renewals and lighting improvements at Poynton station.

The work was led by Network Rail Capital Delivery in partnership with its supply chain, namely the Central Rail Systems Alliance in Congleton and Maccesfield and AmcoGiffen in Poynton.

Trains returned to the line on Saturday, August 23.

Track panels being laid at Macclesfield station (Credit: Network Rail)