Translink NI Railways has reopened the Coleraine – Portrush railway line following essential engineering work.

The overall railway line upgrade project is now progressing ahead of schedule and due for completion on April 8.

Magherafelt construction company FP McCann worked alongside Dutch rail contractor BAM to re-rail six miles of track, install new trackside drainage, maintain level and user-worked crossings as well as repair 'wet spots' - areas of track weakness.

The project delivers a series of passenger benefits including: more comfortable journeys; maintained high safety standards and line reliability; reduced disruption caused by ongoing essential engineering works and maintaining the 70mph line speed.

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Translink NI Railways Route Manager Frank Moore said: "We are pleased to re-open the line to our customers and remain ahead of schedule to complete this upgrade project.

"The line has been maintained to a high standard, providing passengers with improved journeys between Coleraine and Portrush as well as contributing to both the economic and social regeneration of the area.

"This is also an exciting time for local rail passengers with the start of the arrival of 20 new Class 4000 trains, all due to be in service by next year.

"We are soon starting a period of on-track day and night testing for these new trains and would ask the public to be vigilant at all times right across the railway network.

"We would like to thank all our passengers for their patience and support during the upgrade project and look forward to continued passenger growth along this branch line," said Mr Moore.

(GK)