A series of vital rail upgrades have been completed as Network Rail looks to scale up the network in north Kent .

There was disruption to some services this August Bank Holiday weekend while improvement works were carried out.

Work took place at the Crayford junction, near Dartford , to replace existing tracks and points - the moveable rails which allow trains to change tracks - with brand new equipment.

Engineers were supported by a large fleet of engineering trains, road-rail vehicles and specialist machinery.

The junction at Crayford was originally installed as part of wartime resilience for the railway but is now one of the busiest on Southeastern’s Metro network, linking Sidcup with Dartford.

It is a busy terminal where trains switch track for the Bexleyheath or North Kent lines.

Network Rail believes the works are needed to help improve reliability for passengers across the area.

The works form part of a £9.1 million package of upgrades spread out across the Bank Holiday weekend.

Elsewhere a 130-year-old bridge near Catford was replaced and a new track and conductor rail was laid between Ravensbourne and Beckenham to make the journeys smoother and more reliable.

John Halsall, managing director for Network Rail Southern region, said: “I would like to thank all of our staff who worked tirelessly over the August Bank Holiday and made sure the work was completed on time, so lines were ready for passengers who needed to travel this morning.

“We need to continue with these upgrades as they are critical to keeping people and freight supplies moving.

"I would like to encourage passengers to return to the railway so they can benefit from our improvements, and when they do, please can you wear a face covering and maintain a distance when travelling.”

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