A £200 million project to increase capacity and reliability at Milton Keynes Central has been completed.
The work took two years to complete and is vital given the increase in train services since the new timetable was introduced on December 14.
Network Rail has installed a signalling system incorporating the new track layout and new power and telecoms systems working in conjunction with rail operator London Midland which manages the station.
The length of platform one has been increased by 60-metres allowing 12-car trains to run to and from Milton Keynes.
More than 150,000 cubic metres of rubble (13,000 truck loads) was removed - 98 per cent of this was recycled for use at building sites - to create a new through line and the new platform six.
For Milton Keynes Central, the improvements include five services an hour to London, more 12-car trains running during peak times and significantly improved weekend services.
London Midland has recently introduced an hourly Trent Valley local service, which provides excellent connections with the north stopping at Northampton, Rugby, Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield, Stafford and Stoke.
Milton Keynes South West MP Dr Phyllis Starkey described the completion of the project as ‘fantastic news.'
"This will have a tremendous impact because it increases capacity for passengers and provides a great facility for the future."
London Midland managing director Steve Banaghan said the investment gave rail operators, such as London Midland, greater flexibility.
"We're seeing the benefits of improved track and London Midland is investing £190 million in 37 new trains, but we recognise it's also vital to improve our stations," he said.
"The extension of platform one means 12-carriage trains can carry even more London Midland passengers."
Network Rail's Head of Programme Investment for West Coast, Stuart Maple, said passengers were beginning to enjoy the benefits of all the hard work completed on the West Coast Mainline.
Milton Keynes Council Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Councillor Chris Williams said the work was great news for Milton Keynes.
"This is one of the fastest growing areas in the country so this work is great news as it will provide faster trains and more services."
