Major engineering work along the Londonderry railway line is progressing on schedule following the delivery of £250,000 rail trolleys from France, it has been revealed.

The bespoke engineering equipment will be used to carry long strings of welded rail from NI Railway's engineering yard in Coleraine to work sites at various locations between Coleriane and Broughdone level crossing to allow the removal of track joints along this section.

Work will also be undertaken to relay track in a five mile section south of Ballymoney Rail Station.

An estimated 1,250 tonnes of new rail will be used and around 4000 welds required to complete the project which aims to offer faster, more comfortable journeys, maintain high safety standards, improve drainage and remove current speed restrictions.

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Other work will include: laying 5,000 metres of new drains, adjustment to track lines and levels, stressing the rail to prevent buckling under severe hot or cold temperatures and bridge maintenance and replacement work.

Translink Infrastructure Executive Clive Bradberry said: "Passenger journeys on the Londonderry Line are up by over 20% in the last year with the line now carrying over one million passengers per year.

"We are now approaching a period of track closure from March 30 until June 28 between Coleraine and Ballymena. A revised passenger timetable and bus substitution services will be in operation during the closure and details will be available from main rail stations, Translink website or call centre from early March.

"Work is scheduled to take place during sociable hours and every effort will be made to keep noise to a minimum. We would ask for the continued support of the public as we continue to upgrade the local railway line," he added.

(PR/JM)