An overhaul of Manchester’s railway signalling system is complete, improving future journeys for passengers and freight.

Equipment which was nearly 40 years old around Trafford Park has been replaced with the latest digital technology.

Network Rail installed a total of 23 new signals and a further 109 pieces of associated signalling equipment as part of a £36 million Great North Rail Project investment.

The work will improve reliability and safety for passengers and freight on this important route into Manchester.

It will also allow longer freight trains to run in the North West taking traffic off the region's roads.

Roisin Nelson, sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This major work on this key rail artery into Manchester will transform connectivity for both freight and passengers across the North West. 

“The investment will keep passengers on the move, products on supermarket shelves and vital goods going to businesses across the country for decades to come."