Network Rail has revealed details of a new £81 million project on an important section of the West Coast Main Line.

The organisation confirmed the work around Watford Junction station would start in May 2014 and will also run for 16 days between August 9th and 25th. There could be disruptions over Christmas and in early 2015 too.

It is hoped the punctuality and reliability of passenger and freight trains using the busy rail artery will be significantly enhanced as a result of the scheme.

News of the major upgrade comes shortly after Network Rail announced that a northern stretch of the West Coast Main Line - between Warrington and Preston - had been completed successfully.

Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director, said the line had seen "tremendous growth" in passenger traffic in the last five years and the section at Watford is one of the busiest parts.

"This work is absolutely essential to maintain the punctuality that passengers and our freight customers rightly expect," she remarked.