Normal weekend service will resume for train passengers travelling on the Newport - Shrewsbury route via Abergavenny, following the completion of the railway upgrade works.

Network Rail’s orange army has completed heavy maintenance work, track renewals and signalling upgrades during six consecutive weekends.

Weekend bus replacement services were in operation during the upgrade, which included a complete track renewal of the line at Shrewsbury Station platform 4, as well as signalling upgrade work in and around Hereford station.

Paul McMahon, Wales route managing director for Network Rail, said, “These essential improvement works will mean better, more reliable journeys for the growing number of passengers using the railway. I would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding.”

An Arriva Trains Wales spokesperson added, “We are obviously really pleased that our normal services that play such an important role in connecting customers not only from South Wales to Manchester direct but local journeys along the route will now be fully reinstated on the weekends. There is a lot going on in the area over the forthcoming summer holidays, and we look forward to welcoming back our weekend customers as they get out and about enjoying themselves.”