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A bridge rebuilt by Network Rail as part of a £400m electrification project to provide a better railway in the north of England has reopened three weeks early.

Network Rail has today responded to the Office of Rail Regulation’s assessment of the company’s performance in the 2009-14 funding period. While this recognises successful delivery of a multi-billion pound investment programme to build a bigger better railway, safety improvements at level crossings and record numbers of passengers and freight moved by rail, it also highlighted missed punctuality targets.

As spectators continue to make their way home, the rail industry in Yorkshire is paying tribute to the thousands of passengers who used rail services this weekend for their patience and good humour. Dozens of longer and more frequent trains have run around the region this weekend as the Tour de France Grand Depart took place.

Passengers are set to benefit from a more pleasant travelling experience after Network Rail awarded a £20m contract to complete the refurbishment of Paddington station’s historic roof.

Network Rail is taking part in a live demonstration showing the devastating impact of a level crossing vehicle accident and what is involved in rescuing those involved, at Rescue Day 2014.

A team of young apprentices began work on the £6.5billion Thameslink project this week as part of the programme’s aim to develop the UK’s next generation of engineers.

Passengers are being reminded to plan their journeys if travelling in or out of Liverpool via St Helens Junction or St Helens Central this month as investment in the network may affect their travel.

Members of the public are invited to attend an event to find out more about the construction work and road diversion required to rebuild the Foxhall Road (Basil Hill Road) bridge in Didcot.