BOX tunnel has now reopened six weeks after Network Rail closed it for electrification work.

The 170-year-old rail tunnel had to be lowered to allow for the arrival of a new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains.

As a result, train services between Chippenham and Bath are now back to normal.

The rail firm is spending £50m on its Great Western Electrification Programme to ultimately cut journey times between London Paddington and Swansea.

Andy Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, said: “We always knew this was going to be a complex project given the historic architecture and infrastructure we were working around, but I’m pleased to say all work was completed on time.

“Now this preparation work has been carried out, we will be able to install the overhead line equipment that will be used to power the new electric trains. These trains will provide passengers with more seats and faster journeys, while significantly reducing noise and pollution for those who live close to the railway line.”

Throughout the 45-day temporary period of disruption, Network Rail staff spent a total of 160,000 hours working on the project to lower over 10km of track.